Two automated teller machines (ATMs) were blown up in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Richmond on Thursday, police said.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Henry Budhram said that officers at Richmond's police station heard a loud explosion followed by gunshots in the early hours of Thursday morning.

When police when to investigate, they found that two First National Bank ATMs in Shepstone Street had been blown up.

Several spent AK47 cartridges were found.

Once the alarm was raised, members of the police's dog unit — who were investigating a computer theft case — spotted a white BMW and a blue Golf.

The officers gave chase, but the suspects opened fire on the police car, which then crashed into a side barrier.

Budhram said: "The suspects managed to make good their escape. There were no injuries."

He said it was not known how much money was taken.

He also said that commercial explosives were used in the ATM bombings which caused extensive damage.

The two getaway cars were sporting Gauteng registration plates.

Sapa