Man critically injured in blast at Clydebank shops Published duration 12 January 2018

image copyright Jamie Mac image caption The emergency services were called late on Thursday

A man has been critically injured following an explosion at a row of shops in Clydebank.

Police were called to the incident to the west of Glasgow at about 23:40 on Thursday. Reports said an ATM at Premier Stores on Glasgow Road had been blown up.

The 51-year-old man was found at the scene. He was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

Police said another man was seen running away from the area.

An investigation is under way and officers have asked anyone with information to contact them.

Det Insp Fiona Macarthur said: "Inquiries are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances and officers are currently examining CCTV as well as speaking to local businesses and residents.

"One line of inquiry is that two men were attempting to steal the ATM and one of them has been injured in the process.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area late last night and saw or heard anything suspicious to please get in touch."

image caption Police specialists have been working at the scene of the blast

One eye-witness described seeing smoke and flames coming from the cash machine.

He said he believed gas had been used to set off the explosion.