An ATM in Hauptstuhl was blown up in the early hours of Monday, causing significant damage to a bank branch, authorities said. The explosion, suspected to be a targeted attack to rob the machine, occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Kaiserstrasse. (Police)

Kaiserslautern police are seeking unknown suspects after an ATM was blown up early Monday in Hauptstuhl, causing significant damage to a bank branch on Kaiserstrasse.

The explosion, suspected to be a deliberate attack to rob the machine, occurred around 2:30 a.m. and led to the discovery of a second unexploded device, which has since been safely dismantled, according to a police statement. Residents from three nearby buildings were evacuated during the emergency response.

The suspects fled in a black Skoda Octavia, witnesses told police.

Law enforcement authorities haven’t said whether the perpetrators successfully stole any money.

The area around the bank remains sealed off and Kaiserstrasse is closed to traffic while investigators examine the scene, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the crime to call 0631 369-2620.