The embassy in Karada Street and the cultural centre in Abu Nawwas Street, both in central Baghdad, were entered by dozens of people who set about seizing everything they could find.

The looters, including whole families, poured into the central courtyard of the embassy shortly after midday (0800 GMT), coming in cars and even on horseback.

They took away furniture, refrigerators, video machines and even the strip lighting.

Similar scenes took place at the cultural centre, though the French embassy was inaccessible, sealed off by barricades.

French diplomats have left the capital, leaving the protection of the premises to seven French employees.

France and Germany were leading lights in the efforts to prevent the war on Iraq which resulted in the downfall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

SPACE.WIRE