Gunmen rob Saudi prince's motorcade in Paris and seize cash, 'sensitive' documents

Kalashnikov-wielding robbers have attacked the motorcade of a Saudi prince in Paris, making off with 250,000 euros ($AUS 359,000) in cash and reportedly stealing "sensitive" documents.

The theft took place in northern Paris as the convoy of vehicles was making its way from the Saudi embassy to an airport in Le Bourget on Sunday, police said.

Police believe at least eight gunmen stopped the convoy and stormed the prince’s Mercedes minivan as it turned onto the northern ringroad of Paris.

“According to the preliminary investigation, it is a perfectly targeted attack, led by a group of eight very knowledgeable criminals,” French TV has quoted local police as saying.

“Without a shot, the criminals were behind the wheel… they release the driver and two passengers a little further and run away with their loot.”

The stolen minivan was found burnt out by police later that night. No one was injured during the robbery.

In addition to the 250,000 Euros, the gang reportedly got away with “sensitive” documents belonging to the prince.

“There was also, according to our information, sensitive documents. Money and documents were still missing this morning,” Paris radio station France Info has reported.

The Saudi embassy has not commented on the incident and the investigation has now been handed over to Paris’ elite Brigade de Répression du Banditisme, a special police unit that reports directly to the French Ministry of the Interior and investigates armed robbery, violent break ins and art theft.