Brit arrested after Spanish hotel robbed by armed man wearing Star Wars Stormtrooper helmet

A terrified hotel worker was threatened with a gun in a bizarre robbery - by a man wearing a Stormtrooper helmet.

The crook donned the Star Wars disguise during the hold-up in the Costa del Sol, where around £1,300 was stolen.

A British man, aged 41, has been arrested in connection with the robbery in Mijas after a police operation codenamed Vader.

In CCTV footage from the hotel, the helmeted thief is seen casually strolling up to the desk before producing a weapon, which he pointed at the staff member.

The shocked worker immediately pulled draws from the cash register, and the crook helped himself to the contents, which he loaded into a bag.

He then attempted to leave by the wrong exit before being directed by the victim, and pulled out phone cables to prevent him calling emergency services.

Officers believe that two hours before the hotel robbery, the suspect attempted to rob a shop while wearing a distinctive jacket carrying the world 'Interpol', and using the same gun.

In that instance the owner blocked his way, and the would-be thief ran off empty handed.

Police arrested the Brit today with the Civil Guard tweeting: "Guardia Civil Mijas # Málaga arrests an "imperial soldier" for robbing a hotel with a helmet and everything! (no kidding)."

A firearm was found when the man's home was raided, together with the Interppol jacket and his Star War disguise.

He has been remanded in custody accused of robbery with violence and intimidation.