Would-be thieves last night attempted to pull a cash machine from the wall of a petrol station in Sible Hedingham.

A blue 4x4 was attached to the cash machine at the Total Service Station, in Swan Street, and attempts made to pull it from the wall, at about 11.25pm last night.

Both the vehicle and ATM were abandoned at the scene.

Another vehicle, a red Subaru was also thought to have been used.

It was later reported as being seen outside Co-Op in Havengore, Chelmsford, at about 12.30am this morning, where another attempt to steal a cash machine was made.

That time, a glass door panel was smashed in a bid to access the machine, but neither it or anything else was taken.

Anyone with information about the incidents or the movements of the red Subaru is asked to contact Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously 101.