Comic's quips defeat armed raiders

An Albanian comedian escaped a gunpoint robbery by cracking jokes with the raiders.

Sejfulla Myftari's car was held up by gangsters toting Kalashnikov rifles, according to the country's Shekulli newspaper.

But they recognised the shaven-headed comic when he stepped out of the vehicle.

He joked: "Oh thanks, I haven't seen a Kalash in ages - will you let me hold it please," then patted one of the guns.

The bandits laughed and told Myftari to leave quickly so they could target another car instead.

Published: 23 Jan 2003