QUIRKY WORLD ... Thirsty bicycle thief helps himself to bottle of Tabasco

GERMANY: A man is in hot water after allegedly stealing a bicycle, throwing it through a Berlin restaurant window, then entering the premises and quaffing half a bottle of Tabasco sauce — telling authorities he was thirsty.

The 34-year-old was intoxicated but it was not clear why he went for the Tabasco to quench his thirst, police spokesman Jens Berger said. The man may have mistaken it for a tiny bottle of liqueur, he added.

Neighbours alerted police overnight after hearing the window smash. The man was arrested inside the restaurant. Berger said that, after telling police he had broken in because he was thirsty, the intruder said all he wanted to do was sleep — and was given the opportunity in a cell.