An ATM was blown up by a gang at a local convenience store last night.
Three men raided the cash machine at the Co-op in Rochdale last night, Monday, April 24, at around 9:30pm and fled with a "substantial" amount, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The explosion was heard by nearby residents. One commented: "When we heard the loud explosion at home, we looked out the front door, to see three lads running away from the Co-op.
"My partner went down to the Co-op and saw the smoke. He asked a worker there what had happened, who said men had gone in with a hammer telling them to get out and blew up the cash machine."
The heist happened at a shop on the corner of Grosvenor Street and Leonard Street and detectives stated that two or three men entered the store and threatened staff before ordering them to leave the shop.
They then created a small explosion and removed the ATM from the premises.
Specialist cops attended on Grosvenor Street and secured the area.
In a statement GMP said: "A substantial amount of cash was taken, and no arrests have been made as of yet."
Detective Inspector Stuart Round from GMP’s Rochdale CID, said: “We are doing all we can to identify those involved as we continue to investigate at pace and establish the full circumstances of this incident.
"This was a carefully planned and brazen attack, where those involved showed a complete disregard for the property and other members of the public. Thankfully, no one was injured.
“Through initial enquiries, detectives believe that the men were seen leaving railway approach in Rochdale in the direction of Middleton.
"If you were in the area at the time of this incident and have any information that could help our enquiries, please get in touch with us. Any information could be crucial to our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 0161 856 8719, or using GMP’s LiveChat facility on www.gmp.police.uk.
The Co-op were asked for a comment.
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