Bemused shoppers enjoyed an unexpected windfall after a Tesco cash machine gave out double the amount of money requested, it was reported today.

Within minutes of the machine at Tesco Express, Cranford, reportedly starting to dispense extra £20 notes, customers had summoned their friends and family by phone.

A lengthy queue quickly formed outside the ATM.

Local businessman Imran Mirza, who wanted to withdraw £20 and was surprised when double the amount came out, told the Mail Online: "I was fourth in the queue when I heard the man at the front telling someone on his mobile that the machine was paying out double.

"The person in front of me managed to take out double too."

Mr Mirza told staff inside the supermarket and they quickly took action.

A Tesco spokesman told the website the supermarket closed the machine as soon as they were made aware of the fault.

The spokesman said the company would not be trying to recoup the money from customers, who took advantage last Thursday evening.