Hitler's waxwork beheaded

The Adolf Hitler waxwork at Berlin's new Madame Tussauds had its head ripped off just minutes after going on display. The man who beheaded the effigy was promptly arrested.

The figure showed Hitler with a despondent stare, his arm outstretched on a large wooden table. It had been criticised because it was placed beside waxen likenesses of celebrities and sporting heroes, as well as German political bigwigs such as Willy Brandt.

Madame Tussauds had gone to some lengths to address protests. Visitors could not touch or photograph Hitler’s effigy, and security guards and video cameras were deployed.