Amazing CCTV footage shows massive blast as raiders hit petrol forecourt cash machine

Police have arrested a man in connection with a raid in which a petrol station cashpoint machine was blown open by thieves.

At 4am on Sunday, March 31, Hampshire police were called to the Texaco petrol station in Amesbury Road, Weyhill, where they found the stand-alone cashpoint had been blown open and the money from inside stolen.

Officers had been called to the scene after a neighbour had reported hearing a loud bang.

A 26-year-old man from Bristol has been arrested on suspicion of theft and causing an explosion likely to endanger life or property.

A Hampshire police spokeswoman said: "He is currently in custody being questioned by police."

CCTV footage of the explosion was released by Hampshire police as a warning of the danger of such an action.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Murray said: "Although this was a relatively contained explosion and fortunately no-one was injured, the unpredictable nature of this type of offence means we could easily have been dealing with serious injury or death.

"Our priority is to keep the public safe and by showing this CCTV footage, we hope it highlights how potentially dangerous an explosion of this type can be.

"We are aware of crimes of this nature occurring in mainland Europe which have had serious consequences and our advice to anyone using a cashpoint is to be extremely vigilant of any suspicious activity nearby.

"If you notice anything unusual, or see any wires or cables running from the machine, do not attempt to touch it and call the police immediately."

PA