ATM explosion forces closure of town center for entire day

By Janene Pieters on Friday, 11 October 2019 - 12:00
Dutch police at the scene of a crime
Dutch police at the scene of a crimePhoto: twixx/DepositPhotos

An ATM bombing on Dorpstraat in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel caused major damage to the town center on Friday morning. Due to investigation, cleanup and repairs, the town center will be closed down to the public for most of the day, the Amsterdam police said on Twitter.

At least two perpetrators tried to blow open an ATM on Dorpstraat at around 3:52 a.m. on Friday  morning. They were seen fleeing the scene on a scooter, in the direction of Burgemeester Stramanweg, presumably heading towards Amsterdam Zuidoost, the police said in a statement. The police immediately launched a search, also deploying a helicopter, but the perpetrators have not been found.

The explosion caused major damage to the town center. Multiple windows shattered and roof tiles were broken off. The Ministry of Defense's explosive removal department was called in to check for any undetonated explosives. As far as is known, nothing was found.

The police are looking for the perpetrators and call on witnesses to come forward. The perpetrators were dressed in dark clothes and helmets. One helmet had a white stripe on it. 

Locals who are unable to reach their homes or businesses due to the closures can contact the town hall for more information, the police said. 

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