Two men have been charged with aggravated burglary after a safe was stolen from a property in Westcliff.

Officers were on patrol on Friday afternoon when they spotted three men acting suspiciously in Holland Road.

A man on a bike and two other men were seen running down the road carrying an item.

Police followed the group and two men were arrested and taken to Southend police station.

A knife, safe and bag have been recovered in connection with the investigation.

Warren Richards, 20, of Godman Road, Grays, has been charged with aggravated burglary and using threatening words or behaviour.

Pierce Carr, 19, of Braintree Road, Dagenham, has been charged with aggravated burglary.

Both suspects have been remanded in custody to appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.