A manhunt for those behind an audacious heist of priceless crown jewels from the Louvre in Paris took a step forward after police made five additional arrests.

The Paris prosecutor says the jewels are not yet recovered and there could be a bigger gang behind the theft.

Two suspects have admitted they were involved in the brazen daytime jewel heist at the Louvre museum in Paris, prosecutors say.

One of the pair had been trying to fly out of France when detained

But the treasures remain missing, the Paris prosecutor said.

But the treasures remain missing, the Paris prosecutor said.