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Historic sculptures and other artefacts have been removed from Syria's National Museum in Damascus, officials say.

The robbery was noticed on the start of the week, when employees reportedly found that an entrance had been forced from the interior.

The multiple taken sculptures were made of marble and originated to the Roman era, one official stated to the Associated Press.

Cultural heritage officials said it had opened an investigation to establish the "circumstances surrounding the theft of a group of artifacts", and that actions had been enacted to enhance safeguarding and monitoring systems.

The head of national security in Damascus province, General Osama Atkeh, was referenced by the state-run Sana news agency as stating that security forces were investigating the incident, which he said had affected several "ancient sculptures and unique items".

He added that security personnel at the institution and additional people were being questioned.

The cultural institution, which was established in 1919, contains the significant cultural treasures in the country.

It features clay cuneiform tablets tracing back to the 14th Century BC from an ancient city, where proof of the most ancient writing system was uncovered; 1st and 2nd Century AD ancient art from the ancient city, one of the most important historical locations of the ancient world; and a third century synagogue that was established at Dura Europos.

The institution was had to cease operations in the early 2010s, twelve months after the outbreak of the devastating civil war. A large portion of the artifacts was removed and preserved at secret locations to ensure their safety.

It began limited operations in recent years and returned to normal in early this year, four weeks after opposition groups overthrew President Bashar al-Assad.

All six of Syria's Unesco World Heritage sites were affected or partially destroyed during the civil war.

The Islamic State group demolished numerous religious structures and historical sites at the archaeological site, stating that they were against their beliefs. International authorities condemned the demolition as a war crime.

Many historical objects were also damaged or looted from dig sites and cultural institutions.