‘Knights’ stage armed robbery

Four men in suits of armour and full-face helmets have carried out a brazen armed robbery at a medieval costume festival in Bitche, eastern France.

The gang, wielding swords and axes, burst into an office and attacked organisers before fleeing with around £17,000.

The masked men, wearing breast plates and chain mail, were still on the run, police said. A spokesman added: “Witnesses described them as being in costume of knights in armour.”

The festival is one of Europe’s largest medieval gatherings, attracting more than 10,000 visitors a year, most of whom dress in historic costumes.