Three men arrested on suspicion of burglary and causing explosion that destroyed shop front in village of Long Ashton

A cherished village post office in Somerset has been seriously damaged in a fire after thieves apparently used explosives to target a cash machine in the front of the building.

Residents of Long Ashton were woken by the blast at 3.30am on Monday. The shop front was destroyed and debris scattered across the pavement and street.

People living in a flat above the post office, believed to include two children, were evacuated but are not thought to have been injured. It is not yet known how much money was taken in the raid.

Three men aged 21, 24 and 40 have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and causing an explosion likely to endanger life.

The post office owners are on holiday but are understood to be returning to deal with the aftermath of the explosion and fire.

Neighbour Jamie Flint, 34, said: “I was one of the first on the scene. My wife heard the bang and I heard alarms. I thought it was my car. I could see the glow of the flames from my house. It is a quiet village. For it to happen here is quite worrying.”

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Footage shows the aftermath of the explosion

Villagers helped clear up shattered glass and debris. Another local said: “The fire brigade arrived and were putting out the fire. We had heard a car accelerate away. It screeched away. The explosion shook everything.”

Doreen Lloyd, 80, who lives opposite the post office, said: “It’s a very friendly place, I hope it doesn’t close for good.”

Local people and businesses wrote messages of support on the post office’s Facebook page.

Birgit Nicklitzsch said: “I can’t believe this has happened, and hope no one was hurt ... I hope you can make good the damage and get back up and running again. In the meantime the post office will be missed by all in our family and lots of other people in the village, you do such a great job.”

Clear & Clean House Clearance Bristol posted: “Our local community awoke this morning to some devastating news. In the early hours Long Ashton Post Office was attacked and had cash machine blown up. It has left the shop looking like a bombsite.

“This is a massive blow to our community, as so many people rely on the services that they offer. Our thoughts are with the owners and all the staff. If there is anything we can do to help please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Amy Lee posted: “Really feeling for you guys this morning. I hope you’re all OK. That was such a loud bang it shook my windows and I leapt a mile out of bed. Glad the fire brigade got there so quick.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “A quantity of cash has been stolen but at this stage we don’t know how much.” CCTV footage was being studied and forensic examinations of the scene carried out.