RESIDENTS woke to see bank notes flying around the street after burglars used gas to explode an ATM in an overnight raid on a post office.

The post office in Mansell Road, Shoreham, was raided just before 4.40am yesterday and after the thieves fled neighbours helped the owner to pick up loose money.

The cash draw from the ATM had been removed and opened, and was found abandoned a short distance away.

It comes four days after thieves smashed their way in to a post office in Saltdean and stole cash.

Yesterday residents described being woken up by a loud bang in the early hours of the morning and seeing cash scattered all over the street.

Natasha Hart, 28, of Mansell Road, compared last night’s events to a Hollywood movie.

She said: “It looked like something from a movie. Money was flying everywhere. I couldn’t believe my eyes really. It was quite frightening for it to be right in front of your door step. Hopefully they find the people that did it.”

One neighbour described how shocked residents in their pyjamas helped the post office owner pick up the cash spread across the street.

It is believed the man who runs the post office was in the flat above with his elderly parents at the time.

Debra Durling who runs the hairdresser opposite the post office said the raid could not have happened to nicer people.

She said: “I’m feeling very sad. They are such lovely people and they don’t deserve it.

“We feel for them as they would do anything for us and are well liked by the community.”

Anne Thornton, 70, of Mansell Road, said: “This is the first I’ve heard of anything happening like this round here.

“You see it on the news everyday but on your own doorstep it is absolutely appalling.

“It’s disgusting and shocking - just the thought of someone breaking into your property.”

When The Argus visited the scene yesterday morning the cash machine was hanging out of its hole in the wall and the post office door was smashed through.

Forensic scene investigators were examining the cash point for fingerprints, while officers went door to door to speak to residents.

It is understood the raiders escaped in a car.

Detective Sergeant Del Thurgood said: "It is believed the explosion was caused by gas being forced into the front of the ATM machine before being ignited.

"This was an extremely dangerous incident which could of caused serious injury to the offenders and members of the public.  Fortunately there were no reported injuries.

"We have already carried out extensive house to house enquiries, but if anyone else was in the area and saw anything suspicious then please get in touch."

Witnesses are asked to contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 168 of March 3.

Alternatively you can report online at www.sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal or call 101.