A MAN wanted on an international warrant was arrested by police who spotted him acting suspiciously by a charity bin.

Patrolling traffic officers from Stanway had their attention drawn to the Tollgate Sainsbury's charity bin just after midnight yesterday.

The officers became concerned about the suspicious behaviour of two men and ran a trace on the vehicle parked by the bins.

The trace brought up an alert stating the vehicle may be connected to criminal activity, namely the theft of charity bags.

The alert was placed on the vehicle after it had allegedly been spotted at other locations.

The vehicle was stopped soon after and searched.

Officers reported several charity bags full of clothes were found stored inside.

Also inside were two containers of red diesel and a quantity of electrical items which may also have been stolen.

Two men were arrested at the scene.

One was also wanted on an international arrest warrant.

Adam Pipe, casualty reduction manager for Essex Police, said: "Intelligence is crucial in policing.

"Having intelligence records helps.

"And this shows again the roads are the arteries into our county.

"They are used by people to commit crimes.

"We need to recognise the importance of road policing in the county."

Police are continuing to investigate.