PARIS (AFP) - Three thieves were on the run Wednesday after snatching a briefcase containing 300,000 euros (S$520,000) worth of jewels outside the famous Drouot auction house in Paris.

The thieves used tear gas to incapacitate two auctioneers and two assistants outside the auction house in central Paris around 6:00 pm, police said.

They then grabbed the briefcase containing the jewels and escaped on a motorcycle.

Two of thieves continued their escape in a car parked near the auction house, but, in an apparent bid to confound pursuers, then switched cars by stealing a vehicle from a passing driver.

Police lost track of them in the Paris suburbs.