Robber tries to claim witness reward

A man who robbed a petrol station in Norway disguised as a ninja has been arrested after coming forward as a witness in a bid to claim a reward.

Aftenposten, quoting Norwegian newspaper Agderposten, says he only netted a few pounds from a knife-point robbery in Arendal before escaping on a bike.

He decided to to supplement the cash by ringing up the newspaper and asking for a tip-off fee.

The man is said to have told reporters: "I saw a man run into the station. He had a ninja-like hood, was carrying a knife and had a sword sticking up from the back of his trousers."

He gave his name and telephone number before going to police to testify as a witness - where he was recognised by a customer at the petrol station and arrested.

*Ananova