POLICE say cash machines in Essex were taped off as a precaution after two men were arrested for allegedly tampering with one.

Cash points were taped off in Rayleigh, Billericay, Wickford, Brentwood, South Woodham Ferrers, Braintree and Maldon.

It came after two men were arrested at a cashpoint in Chelmsford High Street, at about 5.10am on Friday.

Cristian Gherghel, 29, of Atherton Road, Ilford, and Vasile Kiraly, 19, of no fixed address, have been charged with having a wooden lever, screwdrivers, glue and a camera in their possession and for allegedly tampering with the Chelmsford machine.

They were bailed to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on December 11.