Two tomb robbers became trapped and suffocated in a tomb, and their three partners, who were serving as lookouts, had to call police for help.

The ancient tomb, located in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, was robbed by five people in the early morning of Aug 10. The two robbers who were digging holes became trapped.

One of the three lookouts ran off, and the other two were arrested. One of the trapped robbers was found dead, and the other died on the way to the hospital.

Police are continuing to search for the robber who ran off.