An ancient tomb in East China was raided within hours of being discovered by a construction crew, Shandong Business Daily reported.

The site, in Shandong province's Xiajin county, is believed to be the tomb of Guo Siwei, a senior Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) official, and his wife.

Workers uncovered the tomb on April 3 - but by the time cultural heritage officials arrived on April 4 it had been damaged and looted of almost all its relics.

It is unknown who raided the site, although Shandong Business Daily reported the construction workers had disappeared overnight, leaving behind tools and machinery.