A passerby at the scene of the A505 petrol garage near Ashwell where thieves blew up the cash machine said it ‘looks like a bombsite’.

Royston Crow: The cash machine was blown up by thieves. Picture: Clive PorterThe cash machine was blown up by thieves. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

Police were called to the explosion at the BP garage near the Odsey turning just before 3am this morning.

Royston Crow: Police closed off the BP garage. Picture: Clive PorterPolice closed off the BP garage. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

The Melbourn man said: “It was absolute carnage, it looks like a bomb has hit it.

Royston Crow: The cash machine was blown up in the early hours of this morning. Picture: Clive PorterThe cash machine was blown up in the early hours of this morning. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

“It’s terrible, but a sign of the times. You never know where they’re going to strike next.

Royston Crow: The cash machine was blown up in the early hours of this morning. Picture: Clive PorterThe cash machine was blown up in the early hours of this morning. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

“And it’s right on top of Christmas as well. It makes you think of the owner and the manager, by the looks of it they’re going to have to close for a long time.”

Royston Crow: The scene at the garage this morning. Picture: Clive PorterThe scene at the garage this morning. Picture: Clive Porter (Image: Clive Porter)

One lane was closed by poilce northbound but has since reopened.

It is not known if any cash was taken and officers are believed to be still on the scene, with forensics collecting evidence.

If anyone has information about the incident, call Cambs police on non-emergency number 101.