A painting by Dutch master Vincent van Gogh has been stolen from a museum which was close due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Singer Laren Museum in the Netherlands was raided overnight.

The museum revealed the news today,and said the thieves struck in the early hours.

The painting 'Lentetuin' or 'Spring Garden' and 1884 painting showing the spring garden of the rectory at Neunen ,had been on loan from the Groninger Museum for an exhibition.

"We are angry,shocked and sad ,"Singer general director Evert van Os told a news conference broadcast on You Tube.

It is not known if any other items were stolen during the robbery though reports suggest the Van Gogh piece was specifically targeted.

The burglars entered the museum around 3.15 am local time,according to local reports.

According to  Singer Laren ,the security acted "entirely according to protocol"

Theatres,tourist attractions ,museums and galleries that draw thousands of visitors every day have closed across the world.

In the UK,the Tate closed its museums and galleries until May 1.