London’s Natural History Museum (NHM) yesterday closed its Diamonds exhibition three months early following security concerns.

The exhibition included one of the largest flawless diamonds in the world – the 203-carat De Beers Millennium Star – which was the target of an attempted robbery when it was on display at the Millennium Dome in 2000.

The Metropolitan police reportedly received information that criminals were planning a violent heist to steal gems and Scotland Yard advised the museum to close the exhibition immediately in order to preserve the safety of both staff and visitors.

Explaining the closure, NHM director Dr Michael Dixon said: “Since we began planning this exhibition, we have followed police advice to the letter in terms of ensuring the security of our staff, our visitors, and the exhibition specimens.

“The museum’s priority is the safety and security of our visitors and staff. Based on police advice, the only responsible course of action in this situation was to close the exhibition with immediate effect.”

The exhibition is believed to be the world’s largest display of diamonds and has attracted more than 70,000 visitors since it opened in July.

The remainder of the museum will remain open as usual while full refunds will be provided for holders of pre-booked tickets for Diamonds. Details: www.nhm.ac.uk

Photograph: The De Beers Millennium Star