A gas canister was allegedly used to blow up the entire front window of a newsagents.

About £80,000, that had only been delivered yesterday, was reported to have been taken.

The break in at Johnstons in The Parade, by Claygate station, happened at about 4am this morning.

Witnesses said the shop, next to the Claygate Pharmacy, had been cordoned off by police tape by 8am, with large chunks of glass scattered on the pavement outside the shop front.

An employee at The Game Larder, a butchers across the road from Johnstons, said: “There was a lot of smashed glass and they’re just starting on boarding up the windows.

“The explosion caused the casing of the ATM to come across the road and hit the wooden sill on our windows.”

Surrey Police said today the incident could be linked to a failed attempt on a cash machine in Ewell.

Thieves try to blow open cash machine using gas in Ewell on November 5

Your Local Guardian:

Police said: "Seen one of these lying around? Could relate to ATM theft in Claygate at 3.50am today"

Detective Constable Ellen Smith said: "We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about any vehicles seen in the area of Claygate at around 3.50am or vehicles acting suspiciously near this location. 

"It may be that the manner of their driving caught your attention at that hour in the morning.

"If anyone locates any items matching the picture of the cash box please contact police without touching the item."

Sarah France, was woken by the “terrifying” noise of the explosion at 4am.

She said: “It woke me up. Can’t say much more that except that a vehicle roared off minutes later.”

Alex Cundy posted on Twitter: “Feel SO sorry for the couple who own the newsagents in Claygate after people destroyed it last night.”

Did you see what happened? Get in touch at ellie.cambridge@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6368.

Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference number 45140096109.