Explosion rocks street during store burglary
POLICE are investigating after a burglary caused a loud explosion and significant damage at a shop in Cardiff.
Officers are investigating the burglary at the Co-op store on Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, which took place at around 4am yesterday.
It is believed suspects used acetylene cylinders to gain access to the shop and cash machine, resulting in a loud explosion and causing significant damage.
Witnesses reported hearing a “big explosion” in the area in the early hours of yesterday morning and debris was strewn across the area.
A number of flats above the shops were evacuated as a precaution while the cylinders were made safe by the fire service.
South Wales Police issued a statement yesterday following the incident.
A police spokeswoman said: “A nearby bakers provided displaced residents with shelter and warm drinks while they waited to return to their homes.
“There are no reported injuries, the road remains closed and inquiries are ongoing.”
New CCTV cameras had recently been installed after previous attacks. Local Labour councillors in the area said they worked towards the installation of state-of-the-art cameras for the parade of shops that were installed late last year.
Cllr Keith Jones, Cllr Lee Bridgeman and Cllr Heather Joyce said they will be asking police to review any CCTV footage from the scene.
Cllr Jones said: “This is the third attempt to ram-raid the Co-op in three years.
“We will not tolerate such lawlessness at the heart of our community, at a much-loved parade of shops.”
He also thanked the residents who were evacuated.
“They calmly responded to a dangerous situation and we are grateful that they are all safe,” he said.
“If you know of any details regarding this incident or the identities of those who sought to bring harm to our community, then please get in contact with ourselves or South Wales Police.”
Nadeem Muhammad, who has lived above the Co-op for the past five months, said both his flat and car had been damaged.
Nadeem said: “We heard a loud noise early this morning.
“I looked out of the window and saw something had happened downstairs and everything was all over the road and there was something underneath my car.
“I know now that is what they used to try and do the explosion. We are all OK.
“We rang the fire brigade and he said that it had already been reported and somebody on the way. We are OK but now need to know the damage to the flat.”
South Wales Fire and Rescue said they were called to the scene at 4.06am to reports of a vehicle fire.
A spokeswoman said: “We received reports of a vehicle fire on Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff. Crews attended the scene and assisted the police.”
Debris was strewn across the road following the “huge explosion”. There was also damage to one of the shutters on the shop front.
Windows above the Co-op were shattered in the blast that could be heard from miles around.
One resident four miles away in Pontprennau said: “I heard the car explosion this morning! My house actually shook from the severe force of it. I thought a bomb had detonated nearby!”
A spokesman for Cardiff council confirmed that the Resilience Unit at the council was called by the emergency services at 4am yesterday morning.
He said: “Following a failed attempt to remove an ATM machine from the Co-op store on Countisbury Avenue, a fire was started at the building, which caused an immediate danger to those living in flats above the shops.
“The council was responsible for the evacuation and shelter of 40 people during this incident, who were firstly moved to a safe distance, and then moved onto a bus until more suitable accommodation could be found.
“All protocols and procedures were followed and the incident ended at 6.30am.
“The residents have now been moved back into their properties and the council is continuing to support the emergency services while investigations continue.”