Thieves have stolen 11 rare Chinese ceramics from an exhibition at the Keramiekmuseum Princessehof in Leeuwarden, smashing seven in the process.

The pieces were ‘world renowned’ and formed part of the Feest! exhibition on the ground floor, the museum said in a statement.

The burglars ‘appeared to have specific knowledge and targeted their hit,’ the museum said. Four of the works have vanished completely.

There was an earlier attempt to break into the museum on February 1 and security was then tightened up.

The museum will remain closed for the rest of the week while the police investigation continues and security is further increased.