Thieves use gas to blow up cash machine outside Matalan in Darlington

Houses have been rocked and debris sent flying after thieves used gas to blow up a cash machine outside a Matalan store in Darlington.

The stand-alone kiosk, operated by the Co-operative Bank, was hit at about 1.20am on Thursday.
Debris scattered across the car park on Neasham Road included anti-ram raid bollards.

Detectives have, as yet, been unable to confirm whether cash was stolen.

"Following our ongoing investigation into yesterday's explosion at a cash machine in Darlington, I can confirm that we now believe the blast was caused by gas which was ignited," Inspector Chris Knox said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101.