DARING burglars escaped with thousands of pounds after blowing up a cash machine with an explosion that woke hundreds of locals.


Neighbours were startled by a huge boom when what is thought was a gas-fuelled blast destroyed the ATM on the front of Bradshaw Post Office at 3.25am.

GMP said it is believed the culprits got away with thousands of pounds worth of cash and are still at large.

The area outside the post office, in Lea Gate, has been taped off as forensic officers comb for clues.

Neighbour Millie Cooper said: "I was in bed and heard an almighty bang.

"It was the loudest bang I have ever heard.

"I could hear people shouting. I thought they were in the hairdressers downstairs.

"I came to the front window but I was too scared to look.

"I was absolutely terrified.

"There were at least two or three voices - all male voices with local accents.

"I heard them shout: 'Get in the car! Get in the car!'

"It lasted about five minutes. I phoned the police at 3.26am and the police were here at 33 minutes past and the burglars had gone by then.

"The CCTV from the Seven Stars pub shows a car but I definitely heard the sound of a moped or mopeds.

"It was really scary.

"Apparently the gang have used a gas canister to explode it. They knew what they were doing.

"There's been quite a few burglaries in the Harwood area recently.

"You always hear of things going on but nothing as big as this."

Part of the damaged cash machine was left along with some of its red frame on the floor in front of the Post Office.

Computer and screen parts could be seen hanging out of the hole where the ATM once was and the neighbouring front window was completely smashed and the pane ripped outwards.

It is not clear if the burglars climbed through the destroyed window to get into the Post Office itself and gain access to the rear of the cash machine from inside.

 

 

Linda Whittaker, who owns Whittaker's Estate Agents just along the road from Bradshaw Post Office, said locals would feel for the sub-postmaster.

She said: "He's been there years. I bet he knows all his customers by their first name.

"It's just terrible. I just hope that they catch the culprits."

Detective Constable Phil Warburton said: "The investigation is at a very early stage and the exact details of what happened are still being established but I would like to appeal to anybody who witnessed the incident or has information to please contact the police."

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 5992 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

In August 2012 a raider wearing a gorilla mask tried to hold up Bradshaw Post Office by intimidating staff with a handmade replica shotgun.

Kris Whittaker fled empty-handed and was caught and pinned down by a firefighter and a van driver.

He was jailed for five years after admitting attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent.