‘Explosion’ as cash machine is destroyed in Fishponds Road in Bristol
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A stand-alone cash machine has been destroyed in an ‘explosion’ that could be heard for miles around in the early hours of this morning (May 8). Police and Avon Fire and Rescue were called to the cash machine in Fishponds Road, close to the junction with Lodge Causeway, in Fishponds at around 4.30am.
The road was closed to make the area safe, before later reopening. At 8.30am, police officers were still at the scene and a large area around the cashpoint on the pavement was cordoned off. Workers from National Grid were also on site.
The power of the explosion meant little still stands of the cash machine which also served as a pay phone. Mangled pieces of metal lie on the pavement along with debris from the destroyed structure.
A part of the wall at Lodge House also appears to show the impact of the explosion, which could be heard from as far away as Warmley, almost four miles away. The noise led many to come on social media this morning to ask what they had heard.
One person wrote: “Shook the entire house! So loud.” Another said: “I was awake already so heard it loud and clear.”
Claire Allen was staying in a flat above the Golden Lion pub, opposite the cash machine, when the explosion happened. She said: “I was going to sleep, and the next minute there was a humongous bang, and the building vibrated.
“I looked outside and saw two fire engines, one empty bus and five or six police cars. They closed the road and I could see alot of neighbours put their heads out of their windows.”
It’s not yet clear if the people behind the explosion made off with any money. 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.
“Officers found a cash machine had been damaged, along with a number of parked cars in the vicinity.
“A scene remains in place currently, but the road is open. Enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, are ongoing.
“Witnesses, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist our enquiries, is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 5223106495.”