Children rob bank
Police were able to identify the children from CCTV footage.

Two Israeli boys, aged 12 and 13, were arrested after they attempted to rob a bank using toy guns.

The boys entered the bank in the Tel Aviv suburb of Rishon Lezion wearing hooded tops. One was carrying a schoolbag, while the other brandished a fake M-16 assault rifle.

Entering the bank they shouted "this is a hold-up," but reportedly lost their nerve and fled the scene without any money.

Police were able to identify the children from CCTV footage and later arrested them.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said: "They were toy guns, but they looked real. The people in the bank were scared, but then the suspects ran out without taking any money."

Speaking on behalf of the children lawyer Gil Gabay said their rights had been violated.

"We are talking about children aged 12 and 13 who were arrested last night," he explained. "They were investigated during the night against legal instructions. They slept on a chair in the police station. I think they should have been treated differently. I don't think they should have been treated like criminals."

Appearing in court, the youngsters covered their faces.