Armed robbers in Germany have stolen a charity piggy bank containing just 20 cents.

''There was 20 cents (15p) in the piggy bank and the chocolate bars cost €1.20 (97p) each. Total €2.60 (£2.09).''

Two thieves, who were wearing masks to cover their faces, also got their hands on two chocolate bars when they held up a burger bar in Dusseldorf, but police revealed they were panicked and ran off after setting off an alarm when they tried to open a till.

As a result, the bungling duo got away with a pitiful haul of goods, much to the relief of shopkeeper Mehdi Eghbali.

He told German newspaper Bild: ''There was 20 cents (15p) in the piggy bank and the chocolate bars cost €1.20 (97p) each. Total €2.60 (£2.09).''