A GAS explosion is thought to have blown apart a cash machine before thieves snatched the contents and made off.

Police are investigating the robbery from the free-standing Cashzone dispenser situated outside Iceland in Blatchington Road, Hove.

It took place at around 3.40am. Firefighters attended to ensure the scene was safe.

One Twitter user said how the machine got "blown up and robbed".

He said: "Thieves insert gases that react without combusting and the cash machine blows open so they can grab the cash."

Officers are there this morning looking into the incident.

Robert Button of Amherst Crescent in Hove saw the damaged cash machine taped off.

The 46-year-old said: "There's bits of cash machine all over the pavement.

"It looks like there's major damage. The whole casing and everything has been ripped off."

A police spokesman said: "It is thought a gas explosion was caused to blow apart the stand-alone Cashzone machine.

"A vehicle, possibly a saloon car, was seen nearby before it travelled south the wrong way along Belfast Street."

Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who saw what happened or who noticed anything suspicious in the area during the early hours.

Detective Inspector Andy Wolstenholme, of Brighton CID, said: "“As well as seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed this raid, we’d also welcome calls from anyone who may have seen people acting suspiciously in the area prior to it being carried out.

"There is a strong possibility that those responsible may have checked out the scene in advance."

Email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 84 of 13/10.