Possible explosive left behind after Amsterdam ATM bombing

The police closed down Pieter Calandlaan at the intersection with Johan Huizingalaan in Amsterdam on Wednesday morning. They are investigating a possible explosive left behind after a failed ATM bombing, the Amsterdam police said on Twitter at 9:12 a.m.

The attempted ATM bombing happened near Sierplein between 5:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., according to NH Nieuws and De Telegraaf. Local residents told De Telegraaf that there was one explosion, but a second explosive meant to blow the AM from the wall did not detonate. Photos from the scene show a wire hanging from an ATM on Pieter Calandlaan.

The Ministry of Defense's explosive disposal department is at the scene to investigate. An ambulance was dispatched to the area at 9:22 a.m. to assist the police.

Local residents have not yet been evacuated, but were warned by the police to be ready for an evacuation if the explosive experts deem it necessary. "The police visited all neighbors to warn us. A bag with things for when we have to leave our house is ready", one resident said to De Telegraaf.

The number of ATM bombings in the Netherlands is on the rise, according to police figures released this week. The police have no idea why the popularity of ATM bombings is increasing, because very few of them end with the perpetrators getting away with money, a police officer said to AD.