Burglars blew up a cash machine to get to the money inside during an early morning raid at a post office.

Police were called to the branch in Greenford Road, Harrow, at 5am on Saturday to reports of a burglary.

Officers found the shutters had been forced open, windows smashed and money stolen from the cash machine, which had damage to the front and back.

It is believes the thieves forced a gas canister into the machine to blow it up and gain access to the inside of the machine.

The road was shut in both directions for the rest of the morning as police secured the scene.

Kim Chana, who runs the Flower Nest florist next door said: “I was just shocked when I first arrived. It’s just so surprising for something like that to happen around here.

“I arrived for work early and the whole street was closed off and there were police everywhere.

“There was glass across the street and the whole of post office was damaged on the inside.

“People living upstairs said they heard a loud bang and their flats shook. It’s very worrying. Someone could have been really hurt.”

Collen Rodriguez, who lives above the row of shops, said: “I was at work when I got a call from my wife.

“She said the whole flat moved and she thought there was a big accident outside.

“When I got home I saw all the glass all over the place, I just couldn’t believe it. It worries me because it could have been so much worse. I dread to think what could have happened to my wife.”

Police say four men wearing balaclavas were seen breaking into the Post Office before driving off in a silver coloured car towards Whitton Avenue.

A spokesman says no arrests have been made. Officers from the Met Police Flying Squad are investigating.