Police have released CCTV images of a car believed to have been involved in the theft of a golden toilet worth £4.8m.

The 18-carat, fully functioning toilet, which was installed in Blenheim Palace as part of an art exhibition, was stolen in an overnight raid on 14 September.

Its theft from the Oxfordshire stately home and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill caused significant flood damage, as it had been plumbed in for visitors to use.

No one was injured and it is thought the offenders left the scene at 4.50am.

Officers investigating believe two vehicles were used in the burglary.

They have now released a photograph of a navy blue Volkswagen Golf R which they say remains “outstanding” as they appeal for information about it from anyone who may have seen it.

Detective Inspector Steven Jones said: “It is believed that it was displaying cloned plates.

“Also, I would appeal to motorists with dashcam footage in the area to review it and check if their camera has captured anything significant, or this vehicle itself.”

The artwork has not been recovered and Inspector Jones said the artwork’s insurers had offered a “substantial reward” for its safe return.

The golden loo, called America, had been installed at Blenheim as part of an exhibition by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.

In 2016, the golden toilet was on display at New York’s Guggenheim museum, where visitors could use it while a member of security staff stood guard outside.

It was also offered to Donald Trump when he moved into the White House.

A 66-year-old man from Evesham was arrested on suspicion of burglary, and is on police bail until 9 October.

A 35-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information can leave it for officers on their dedicated website, or call 101, quoting investigation number 43190284218.

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