TWO crooks tried to break into flats during the early hours of the morning. 

Police have launched an investigation into the incidents, which happened in a block of flats in Southchurch Avenue, Southend. 

Detectives say two tried to force open front doors off a communal hallway. 

Their attempts were unsuccessful so police are treating the incidents as attempted burglaries. 

It happened around 5am on April 26 and police are now urging any witnesses to come forward. 

A spokesman said: "One of the men is described as around 5ft 9ins tall, wearing all black clothing including a ‘beanie’-style hat and gloves.

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"The second man is also described as wearing black or dark coloured clothing.

"We need anyone who saw anything or has any CCTV, dash cam, or doorbell footage to contact us."

If you have any information you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

Please quote the crime reference number 42/103625/22.

You can also call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.