Spondon Post Office blown up by cash machine raiders

The empty cash machine can be seen among debris outside the Post Office

Raiders have blasted open the front of a post office in a bid to steal a cash machine.

Debris was strewn outside the Post Office in Chapel Street, Spondon, Derby, after the explosion at about 04:45 BST.

Residents were woken by a "terrifying", "loud, subsonic bang". Nobody was thought to have been injured.

Police said residents in a flat above had been evacuated. Officers were unsure what explosive had been used.

A stolen silver BMW, believed to be the one used in the attack, has been found in Oakwood.

Resident Kev Woolley said the blast knocked over cabinets and units in his flat

Kev Woolley lives above the Post Office and said he was woken by a "subsonic bang... like the loudest bang on firework night times 100".

He said the blast knocked over cabinets and units in his flat and he was waiting to find out when the building would be safe enough for him to return.

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Rosie Flower wrote on Facebook: "It was terrifying to hear."

Tracy Yeomans said: "Me and my husband heard a huge bang just after 4:30 am thought it was a big firework."

A police cordon remains in place

The Post Office branch was temporarily closed

Postmaster Sandeep Sarda said he could not believe how much damage had been caused.

He said: "Not only have they managed to blow off the front, they've also managed to blow the back end of the post office. There's also damage to the flats upstairs."

A Post Office spokeswoman said the branch was temporarily closed and added staff will support police to find those responsible.

A police cordon remains in place.

Debris, including the shop's front door, had been thrown across the pavement

Police said inquiries were in the early stages