Cash machine blast sent money 'flying into the air'

A cash machine gas blast gang could have got away with up to £50,000 - after they sent notes flying into the air ‘like the Crystal Maze’.

Families living near the petrol station where the machine was targeted - as well as the business’s stunned owner - believe the gang could have blown up the street during the ‘reckless’ early hours heist.

Four men are believed to have blasted the dispenser from the wall at the Gulf service station on Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, at about 3.55am on Thursday.

David Hockenhull, 36, who has run the petrol station for four years, believes the thieves could have made off with as much as £50,000.

He said:

Incredibly, the petrol station did not suffer major damage and the business owner was able to open to customers.

But he said he would lose commission on the stolen money and would have to foot the bill for a smashed window and damaged stanchion caused by the explosion.

Mr Hockenhull added:

Four men were seen leaving the scene in a BMW car.

Local resident Thomas Procter, a 74-year-old retired soldier, described how he woke and rushed to the window after hearing the explosion.He said:

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: