RAIDERS have blown a cash machine out of the wall at a supermarket.

Residents reported hearing a large explosion as thieves targeted the ATM at Asda, in New Line, Greengates overnight beforre fleeing the scene.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said the incident had left debris strewn across the car park and had affected other local businesses. He said he had heard the machine had been "blown up."

The Asda premises remained cordoned off this morning, while operations at the nearby Exel pchemist and NatWest bank are also said to be affected by the aftermath of the incident.

A structural engineer is also said to be en route to the scene to assess the damage.

A local resident, Mike Frazer, said "This is shocking and it is not a victimless crime.

"Apart from the public who want to collect their medicines and do their shopping and banking - and this is the only bank for miles around - it also impacts those who work at these businesses.

"It feels like a violation of this community"

A woman living opposite the scene in New Line said: "My husband and I were woken up by the sound of an explosion.

"It was a really big bang and it shook the house.

"My neighbour called the police first because she had seen men dressed in black wearing balaclavas next to Asda before the explosion.

"It's all a bit of a shock. We have a baby and were up for three hours after it happened."

Janet Kaley, 68, added: "It has really upset me.

"It's so close to home that it's frightening.

"I go in there every day for my paper and it's a two minute walk from my house. I know all the staff well and I'm upset for them.

"There's been a spate of attempted break-ins around here recently.

"My friend has told me about car windows being tried and this shows crime is getting worse."

Another resident, who lives opposite the scene with her family, said: "Our bedroom is in the attic so we have a very good view.

"We heard an almighty bang and thought it had to be a car crash.

"It sounded like a crash but a really bad one, like someone had gone into a building at full pelt.

"I called the police and my partner could see flames coming from where the cash point was.

"I saw two guys in balaclavas and all in black facing each other, carrying something across the car park towards a black VW Golf and you could hear them shouting 'come on, come on'.

"The lights were all turned off on the car and I couldn't see what they were carrying, but as soon as they got into the car it sped off.

"It's a massive shock and hard to believe what we've just seen.

"My nine-year-old heard the bang and was absolutely petrified.

"We've lived here three-and-a-half years and it's the biggest incident we've seen.

"You hear about them ram raiding ATMs, but to use and explosive or whatever they have used is crazy."

The explosion could be heard as far as Idle according to some sources.

Kristopher James, 21, of Thorpe Edge, said: "I was working a 12 hour shift whilst the staff and I were cleaning up and all of a sudden we heard something that sounded like thunder or a typhoon fighter jet flying over my work. 

"We could hear it all the way from Idle village."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at 2.26am today (Monday) to a report of an explosion and a black Golf driving away from New Line in Greengates.

"The caller reported damage had been caused to a wall where a cash machine was.

"Officers attended and secured the scene while an area search was conducted for the suspect vehicle.

"Enquiries into this incident are at an early stage and are continuing today.

"Anyone who can assist is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting 13180281952 or use the Contact Us options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

"Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

More to follow...