“A 2,500-year-old golden helmet considered one of Romania's greatest treasures has been recovered more than a year after it was stolen during a raid on a Dutch museum.”

“It and two golden bracelets dating back to about 450BC were unveiled as having been returned to the museum on Thursday, secured behind a glass case with two armed police guarding them.”

“The theft of the Coțofenești helmet and bracelets by an armed gang who broke into the Drents Museum in Assen caused outrage in Romania and raised questions about security for priceless artefacts on loan to other countries.”

“Their theft prompted a spat between the two governments that led to the Dutch government paying a reported €5.7m (£5m; $6.5m) in insurance compensation.”

“The treasures had been on loan from Romania's national history museum when they were stolen, as part of an exhibition called 'Dacia - empire of gold and silver', telling the story of the civilisation and people who lived in present-day Romania before the Roman conquest in 106 AD.”

“Robert van Langh, director of the Drents Museum in the northern Netherlands, said the helmet had been slightly dented but could be restored. The bracelets remained in perfect condition, he said.”

“A third bracelet has not yet been found.”

“Dutch public prosecutor Corien Fahner revealed that the helmet and bracelets were handed over to authorities on Wednesday following negotiations involving lawyers for the three suspects.”

“Two men in their mid-30s and one aged 21 will face trial later this month and Fahner said the return of the treasures was part of a pre-trial agreement with the suspects' defence lawyers.”

“The men were arrested within days of the gang using explosives to break into the museum, but by then there was no trace of the priceless items.”