FOUR men used an angle grinder to try and pull a cash machine from a wall in Bromley Cross.

Police say a ‘small explosion’ was created by would-be thieves who targeted the machine outside Co-Op on Darwen Road at 2.45am on Saturday morning.

A spokesperson from Cardtronics, the company that operates the machine, said: “We have been made aware of this regrettable act of vandalism to one of our ATMs.

"Our own research has shown how important a local cash machine is for local communities. We are working closely with the police to assist in their investigation.

“In this particular instance, we are reassessing the site and the necessary security measures before taking further action.”

Residents living near the scene have spoken of their shock.

One said: “The CSI van was still there around 8:30am that morning. I’m surprised I didn’t hear the alarm.”

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A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called at 2.45am on Saturday, January 5 to a report of a cash machine being tampered with at a premises on Darwen Road, Bromley Cross.

"Four men approached the premises before creating a small explosion and using an angle grinder in an unsuccessful attempt to remove the cash machine from the wall.

"Enquiries are ongoing."