A CASH machine was blown up in Severn Beach this morning during an attempted robbery before the suspects tried to ram-raid a convenience store.

 
Police were called to reports of a fire at the ATM of The McColl's Store in Beach Road at around 3.30am.


Gas bottles and pipes had been used during the attempt ATM robbery, before suspects tried to drive into the front of the store. 


Their break-in was unsuccessful and the ATM remained secure following the incident.  


Dave Edmonds, who lives in Severn Beach, has been the store’s relief manager for the past three weeks while the general manager is away on holiday.


He said the incident was a strange end to his temporary management of the McColl’s store.


“Luckily I live in the area so the drive back to the shop only takes a minute or so, which I could do when I got the call at 3.30am,” the 35-year-old said.


“When I arrived, there were two fire engines, a couple of police cars and a group of people watching, most were residents who were woken up because of the noise of the explosion and bangs.


“At first I saw there was lots of smoke coming out of where the ATM is, as if a fire had just been put out.


“I then let firefighters into the store to find the door frames completely destroyed and lots of stock scattered all over the floor.


“Stock had been pushed off lots of the shelves because of the impact. None of the stock as far as we can see has been taken – if it has been, it’s a small amount taken by hand – and the cash machine wasn’t successfully entered into either.


“There is loss of stock due to manage though and the machine will have to be replaced.”


The store was able to open as usual at 6am.


“The main damage was done to a door not used by customers and the stock room,” Mr Edmonds added.


“We were able to open up and serve customers who were all very talkative about what had happened. There were no health and safety hazards at all, just difficult for staff to enter the stockroom.


“The main general manager returns on Monday, but things should be cleared up by then – the wall and window needs to be replaced as well as the ATM itself.”


An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said the gas bottles and pipes left at the scene were seized by officers. 


"The suspects tried to drive into the front of the store but their attempt to break-in was unsuccessful,” he said. 


“Our enquiries are continuing and we’re appealing to anyone who might have been in the area at the time of the incident who may have seen suspicious activity or have information to help our enquiries.  


“If you can help, contact North East Investigations on the force number 101, quoting log number 0083 of 13 October.”