London CNN —The director of the British Museum has stepped down amid an investigation into the alleged theft of gold and artifacts from the famous London institution. Explaining his decision in a statement on Friday, Fischer said: “Over the last few days I have been reviewing in detail the events around the thefts from the British Museum and the investigation into them. “The British Museum has launched an independent review of security after items from the collection were found to be missing, stolen or damaged. “The matter is also under investigation by the Economic Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police.”In a statement provided to CNN, the Metropolitan Police said: “We have been working alongside the British Museum. Fischer described the incident as “highly unusual,” while George Osborne, chair of the museum, said it was a “sad day for all who love our British Museum, but we’re determined to right the wrongs and use the experience to build a stronger Museum.”

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Persons: Hartwig Fischer’s, Fischer, “, George Osborne, ” Organizations: London CNN, British Museum, Metropolitan Police, British, Economic, Command, CNN Locations: London