A stand-alone cash machine has been destroyed in an ‘explosion’ that could be heard for miles and damaged nearby cars.<br /><br />Police and Avon Fire and Rescue were called to the ATM in Bristol at 4.30am today (Monday).<br /><br />The road was closed to make the area safe before later reopening.<br /><br />At 8.30am police officers were still at the scene and a large area around the cashpoint on the pavement was cordoned off. <br /><br />Workers from National Grid were also on site.<br /><br />The power of the explosion meant little still stands of the cash machine - which also served as a pay phone. <br /><br />Mangled pieces of metal lie on the pavement along with debris from the destroyed structure.<br /><br />A part of the wall at Lodge House also appears to show the impact of the explosion, which could be heard almost four miles away. <br /><br />The noise led many to come on social media this morning to ask what they had heard.<br /><br />One person wrote: “Shook the entire house! So loud.” Another said: “I was awake already so heard it loud and clear.”<br /><br />One woman said: “I was going to sleep, and the next minute there was a humongous bang, and the building vibrated.<br /><br />“I looked outside and saw two fire engines, one empty bus and five or six police cars. <br /><br />''They closed the road and I could see alot of neighbours put their heads out of their windows.”<br /><br />It’s not yet clear if the people behind the explosion made off with any money. <br /><br />A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Police were called to Fishponds Road at about 4am following the incident. Avon Fire and Rescue Service also attended.<br /><br />“Officers found a cash machine had been damaged, along with a number of parked cars in the vicinity.<br /><br />“A scene remains in place currently, but the road is open. Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing.<br /><br />“Witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5223106495.”
