British Museum sacks employee over 'missing, stolen or damaged' items

Visitors are seen in the Great Court at the British Museum. The British Museum on Wednesday said it had dismissed a member of staff after items from its collection were found to be 'missing, stolen or damaged'. Photo: AFP

The British Museum said on Wednesday that it had dismissed a staff member and alerted the police after items from its collection were found to be "missing, stolen or damaged".

The items included gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from 15th century BC to the 19th century, it said in a statement.