According to police, unidentified people blew up an ATM on the main street, Kammerbruchstrasse, in Simmerath at around 3:40 am on Friday night.
Witnesses woke up to a loud noise and reported to the police. They saw a black car leaving the crime scene and running away towards Belgium. The search was unsuccessful and the suspects, who have not been identified, are still on the run.
The investigation into the Spelthahn district administration is as follows:
According to police, the machine was relatively isolated and caused minimal damage to property. An adjacent garage and electrical boxes were damaged by flying debris.
The amount of loot is not yet known. The Main Street area remains closed Friday morning. Forensics are on scene.