PEOPLE living near Tesco Express in Yate have reported hearing a loud explosion early this morning as thieves attacked a cash machine with gas canisters.

The convenience shop has been ripped apart by the attack, which happened at 3.30am, and remains closed today.

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Police on the scene believe a gas canister is still inside the building, on Station Road, and work is due to begin shortly to remove rubble and retrieve any canisters.

Forensic officers have been at the store all morning and the fire brigade has arrived.

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Station Road has been open for several hours and residents and passers by have been assessing the damage.

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Margaret Gardner, who lives a few doors away, said she heard a 'huge bang' which sounded like a firework.

"It was like one of those exploding bomb fireworks," she said. "It was huge.

"I actually suspected it was something like this after hearing about the similar attacks in Winterbourne last week.

"I did see a car drive off with a light in the back but could not get any details."

She added: "We have lived here 30 years and I have never known anything like this, it is not something you want to be hearing outside your door."

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The road, which leads to Yate Train Station, was closed earlier this morning and the police warned of major disruption.