More than £70,000 stolen from Justin Bieber gig by armed gang who tunnelled into 'safe room' via ladies loo

Justin Bieber performing in his 'Believe' world tour (AFP\Getty)

Thieves are reported to have stolen more than one million South African rand (£70,000) in takings after a Justin Bieber concert at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium.

The gang, armed with crowbars, hammers, ropes and chisels, broke into a strong room where the money was stored, according to local police and media.

Katlego Mogale, South African police spokeswoman, said: "The suspect had gained entry through the roof. They broke the tile of the bathroom between last night [Sunday] after the concert and this morning."

Officials at the stadium only realised the cash was missing on Monday morning after Bieber’s gig on Sunday 12 May.

“The money was taken from the building and they only realised today,” said a police officer from Booysens police station in Soweto.

“We don’t know how many people were involved as we are still gathering evidence.”

It is thought that the gang tunnelled through the wall, working for several days while hidden from view as they chiselled their way through. They are reported to have gained access from a ladies toilet next door.

Bieber’s “Believe” world tour has attracted much attention after the Canadian pop star was attacked by a fan onstage in Dubai last week, was forced to give up his pet monkey in Germany and angered parents in March after he arrived late to his performance at London’s 02.

The singer’s tour bus was also the subject of a police raid in which officials allegedly found drugs and a stud gun on board.

Bieber has until Friday 17 May to claim his pet Mally after it was seized by German officials last month, who claimed Bieber did not have the correct legal documentation for Mally to enter the country.