Two US burglars covered their faces with permanent marker thinking it would be a good disguise.

Suspects Matthew Allan McNelly, 23, and Joey Lee Miller, 20, were arrested after they tried to break into an apartment in Carroll, Iowa.

A witness saw the attempted burglars drive off in a white car wearing holsters on their belts and reported them to police.

The hapless pair - who were instantly recognisable and arrested at gunpoint - didn't actually have any weapons on them.

They were both charged with second-degree attempted burglary and Allan McNelly was also charged with driving while intoxicated.