Suspect ‘blew himself up trying to steal cash machine’

A SUSPECTED thief was critically injured after an explosion at a cash machine in what was believed to have been an attempt to steal the ATM.

Police were called to the blast outside a row of shops in Clydebank, near Glasgow, on Thursday night.

A 51-year-old man was found at the scene and taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, south Glasgow, where his condition was described as critical last night.

Another man was spotted fleeing the Yoker area of Glasgow, beside Clydebank, police said.

Officers believe that the men might have been attempting to steal the ATM at the time.

Police received reports at about 11.40pm that an ATM at Premier Stores in Glasgow Road had been blown up.

One witness described seeing smoke and flames coming from the cash machine. He said he believed gas had been used to set off the blast.

An investigation is under way and officers have asked anyone with information to contact them.

Det Insp Fiona Macarthur said: “Inquiries are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances and officers are currently examining CCTV as well as speaking to local businesses and residents.

“One line of inquiry is that two men were attempting to steal the ATM and one of them has been injured in the process.

“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw or heard anything suspicious to please get in touch.”