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Sparkasse in Ibbenbüren: ATM blown up
Photo: - / dpa
In North Rhine-Westphalia, shots were fired again after an ATM exploded.
At around 3.30 a.m. on Friday morning, gangsters blew up an ATM in Ibbenbüren in Münsterland, the police said.
In order to cut off the escape route for the perpetrators, the police blocked the nearby access to the A30 motorway in the direction of the Netherlands.
In fact, a very fast-moving car soon appeared, bypassed the police barrier on the grass verge and headed for an officer.
The officer had to save himself by jumping to the side and then fired several shots at the car, which was speeding away in the direction of Amsterdam.
A homicide commission has started the investigation.
Police are looking for witnesses
According to the public prosecutor's office, they are investigating on suspicion of causing an explosive explosion and attempted murder of a police officer.
It is still unclear whether the gangsters were able to loot in the Sparkasse branch: Because of the extensive destruction, the building could not initially be entered, it was said.
Four people were in the apartments above the ATM during the explosion.
These could not return to their apartments until further notice.
A structural engineer should check how severe the damage to the building is.
The police are looking for witnesses who saw the getaway vehicle before or after the crime and who can provide information.
The police officers themselves would not have recognized the brand or the number plate of the car in the dramatic situation.
A day earlier, shots had also been fired after an ATM in Castrop-Rauxel had been blown up.
A patrol was quickly on site and surprised three suspects at the Sparkasse branch concerned.
A suspected automatic sprinkler was hit by a police bullet and injured.
The other two suspects fled in a car.
wit/fek/dpa
