Locks changed after keys stolen at Tower of London

LONDON (AFP) - Some of the locks at the Tower of London - home to Queen Elizabeth II's crown jewels - have had to be changed after two sets of keys were stolen from the grounds, red-faced officials said on Monday.

Police have launched an investigation after an intruder gained access to the site of the historic castle in the early hours of Nov 6 before stealing the keys.

The keys gave access to the tower's drawbridges as well as conference rooms and a restaurant, according to a statement from Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that runs the site. The intruder was stopped and taken off the site, but afterwards it was found that the keys were missing. 

A spokesman said the Crown Jewels, which include priceless crowns and sceptres used by Queen Elizabeth II on ceremonial occasions, were never at risk of being stolen. "The intruder did not gain access into the Tower itself," the Historic Royal Palaces spokesman said.