A skimming device was recovered from a busy cash machine at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Police have urged customers to check their accounts after the bank outlet, next to Sainsbury’s on the main concourse, was targeted on Saturday morning.

Thieves used the common technique of installing a fake card slot onto the ATM to steal their victims’ cards and pin details. One passenger noticed the device and alerted station staff, who called British Transport Police (BTP) to remove it.

It’s not yet known if anyone fell victim to the scam, but officers have asked those who used the machine on Saturday to check their accounts for unexpected payments.

In pictures: Skimming devices found in Greater Manchester

A BTP spokesman said: “We were alerted by a member of rail staff at Manchester Piccadilly station at around 12.40pm on Saturday, November 7, after a member of the public reported a suspicious device on one of the concourse ATMs.

“Officers attended and a skimming device was discovered on the machine. The device was removed and investigations are continuing.”

BTP added in a tweet: “There has also been a picture circulating the interweb in relation to a cash machine that has been tampered with at #ManPic...this is true, a scanning device was found.

(Image: BTP and @strebornayr)

"Officers are investigating. Keep an eye on your accounts for anything sus.”

Dozens of skimming devices have been recovered from cash points in Manchester and surrounding areas over recent years.

Last month, thieves targeted an ATM at the Royal Bank of Scotland on Spring Gardens in the city centre, which followed similar incidents across Chorlton, Longsight and Stockport.