Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

McDonalds heist thwarted by table full of elite soldiers having lunch

The 12 soldiers were all trained in dealing with hostage situations

Kayleigh Lewis
Sunday 12 November 2017 07:19 EST
One of the robbers fired a warning gunshot while the other began raiding the tills (file pic)
One of the robbers fired a warning gunshot while the other began raiding the tills (file pic) (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Two men attempted to carry out an armed robbery on a McDonald’s in France - only to be thwarted by a table full of soldiers from an elite military unit having their lunch at the restaurant.

The thieves burst into the restaurant in the eastern commune of Ecole-Valentin on Sunday night - one firing a warning gunshot while the other began raiding the tills, as customers and employees fled the scene.

However, the two men were completely unaware of the presence of a dozen elite special operations soldiers - all trained in dealing with hostage situations.

Monkey robs jewellery store

Antony, 20, who works in the kitchen, said he did not initially grasp what was happening.

“At first I did not realise there was a gunshot,” he told France Bleu.

The staff took cover in the kitchen while the robbery took place, he said. Once the men were done they hastily made their exit through the kitchen, while one of the men brandished a gun and warned the staff not to move.

It was at this point - once everyone was out of danger – that the soldiers made their move, pursuing the robbers into the car park.

They shouted for the men to stop, but they just carried on. One fell on some stairs and was quickly apprehended, while the other was halted by a shot to the abdomen.

Police arrived on the scene shortly afterwards and arrested the two criminals.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in