POLICE have issued pictures of two men in connection with an ongoing attempted theft investigation. 

A statement from Essex Police says: "We were called to The Holiday Inn on Cranes Farm Road in Basildon at 10:30am on 15 July following reports of an attempted burglary in action. 

"The suspects were confronted by staff whilst attempting to steal cooking oil. 

"Enquiries have been ongoing since the report and we are now releasing images of two men we would like to speak with in connection with this investigation. 

"If you know who these men are, or have any further information which could assist, please contact us. 

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.

Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

"Please quote incident 42/185933/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible."