German pirate's skull swiped

A 600-year-old skull believed to be that of a legendary German pirate has been stolen from a museum in Hamburg, says the museum's director.

Klaus Stoertebeker was the most famous German pirate of the Middle Ages.

He is believed to have been beheaded by authorities in 1400 in Hamburg, together with 30 of his followers.

The heads were nailed on pillars at the entrance of the Hamburg harbour in an effort to deter would-be pirates.

The skull was stolen from the Museum for Hamburg History on January 9, but the museum didn't immediately announce the theft so as not to hamper the investigation.

Director Lisa Kosok said the museum was offering a reward of several thousand euros for information leading to the recovery of the skull.