'Hapless armed robbers raid McDonald's where 11 SPECIAL FORCES officers were eating'

The two robbers will appear in court on charges of armed robbery and violence

The officers, described as one of the most "effective anti-terror forces in Europe, if not the world", were eating Big Macs meals when the robbers burst into the restaurant firing shotguns and demanding cash

Suspected armed robbers holding up a McDonald's were foiled by 11 special forces officers who happened to be dining in the restaurant at the time.

The two alleged raiders are accused of storming the branch of the fast food chain at a shopping centre in Besançon, eastern France, firing shotguns and demanding staff hand over the €2,000 (£1,550) in the cash till.

But with almost a dozen off-duty French paramilitary officers sat among the terrified customers, the pair were soon found themselves out of their depth.

With their meals of Big Macs and fries interrupted, the members of the Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationalewent went beyond the call of duty to prevent the suspected robbers from making off with the money.

Two suspected armed robbers are alleged to have stormed the McDonald's firing shotguns and demanding cash

The officers, described as one of the most "effective anti-terror forces in Europe, if not the world", took down one of the men as he ran towards the exit.

And having ignored orders to drop his weapon, the other was shot in the abdomen after he allegedly brandished his gun as he tried to flee with the cash.

AFP/Getty

French special forces have been described as one of the most "effective anti-terror forces in Europe, if not the world"

The two accused, both in their early 20s and from the local Mombéliard area, were taken to Besancon hospital for treatment.

Ms Roux-Morizot said both have been remanded in custody and will appear before a judge on charges of armed robbery and violence.

The GIGN specialises in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, protecting government officials and tackling organised crime.