POLICE have said they are not currently linking an attempt to blow up a cash machine in Timperley to similar ‘gas attack’ cases elsewhere in the North West.

It follows an attempted robbery at the Post Office in Stockport Road, whereby thieves used gas in an attempt to break open an ATM machine by causing an explosion.

The method, known as an ATM gas attack, has been widely reported in mainland Europe but is a relatively new phenomenon in the UK.

It typically involves inserting a tube through the cash dispenser and flooding the ATM with a combustible gas, before a trigger device is activated.

Following the unsuccessful Timperley raid, which occurred at around 2.20am on Wednesday, June 3, offenders fled the scene in what is believed to have been a long, silver car.

One witness saw the vehicle driving off at speed along Stockport Road, in the direction of Altrincham Road.

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough of Trafford division said: “Fortunately nobody was hurt, but the thieves were determined to break into the cash machine using any means they could.

“I am appealing to anybody who saw a silver car driving at speed in the area around the time of the incident to contact police.”

Earlier this year, a similar attempt to access a cash machine using gas to cause an explosion occurred in Astley Bridge, Bolton.

Another attack in Burnley saw offenders escape with around £100,000.

Anyone with information on the Timperley attack should phone police on 0161 8567530 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.