A MAN is in critical condition after an 'explosive' bid to steal from an ATM in Clydebank.

Residents reported hearing loud bangs last night, near Farmfoods, Glasgow Road, and detectives say they believe the incident was an attempt to steal the cash machine.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 11.40pm following reports of a blast.

Ambulance crews then rushed a 51-year-old to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.

Detective inspector Fiona Macarthur said: “Enquiries 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.

The scene of the ATM explosion at Farmfoods

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

The Post was on-scene this morning at the car park outside Farmfoods on Glasgow Road, which was cordoned off as detectives and forensic teams in white suits investigated.

The explosion left parts of the cash machine scattered across the car park.

Residents and nearby shop workers reported hearing a loud bang between 11pm and midnight last night.

One witness told the Post it sounded "like a firework going off”.

Fire services sent two engines to the incident just after 11.30pm as crews moved to deal with the blast.

A spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service assisted emergency service partners at an incident at a business premise on Glasgow Road, Clydebank at around 11.33pm on Thursday, January 11.

“Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene and crews left the area at 1.08am on Friday, January 12.

“A single appliance was mobilised to the premise later that same morning at 10.37am and crews left the area at 10.51am.”

Debris scattered across the car park following the late night blast

Many people have taken to social media to share what they had seen and heard.

One user Dani Dee said: "We passed it about 1am. Fire brigade on scene. All doors for Farmfoods open.

"I thought [it] was a fire as Farmfoods looked smoked out. It was dark mind you."

Another, Sarahjane McGonagle, asked: "Is that what the noise was? What is this place coming to?"

Police officers have been monitoring the taped-off area this morning, while forensic tests were carried out.

The shops near the ATM were closed this morning and the public were unable to access the car park.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Clydebank CID via 101, quoting incident number 3825 of Thursday, January 11.