Police are warning residents to be vigilant when using cash machines amid concerns fraudsters have been tampering with them. 

Officers in Westcliff made two arrests overnight after two men were seen acting suspiciously in Chalkwell Avenue. 

They had been spotted by a dog unit who helped stop and search the men, as well as their vehicle. 

A 40-year-old man from Romford and a 33-year-old man from London were both arrested on suspicion of theft and fraud offences. 

They are now being quizzed by officers in custody. 

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But police are urging residents across Southend to be cautious following the incident, with a spokesman added: "If you use cash machines please be vigilant and always check that it has not been tampered with.

"If you have information on this or any other crime you can report it by calling 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non emergency or using our 'LiveChat' facility."