Thieves tried to break open an ATM in Puchong with a homemade explosive device made of fireworks but they did not get the money.

Two men in their 20s were captured in action by the bank's closed-circuit-television cameras.

The impact of the explosion left the ATM mangled but did not pry open the compartment where the money was kept.

Selangor police chief Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar said the incident occurred around 5.45am.

A patrol car crew heard the explosion and rushed to the scene. The thieves fled on seeing the patrol car.

CCTV recordings showed the thieves riding up to the bank on a motorcycle. One of them, who wore a full-faced helmet, entered the ATM room and threw the device at the ATM.

Police from the forensics department were sent to the scene to gather evidence and found remnants of the device.

Police are still not certain if the two men were trying to vandalise the machine or get to the money.

Thieves have used various ways to break into ATMs including using tractors and tow trucks to uproot the machines but this is the first time a homemade explosive device has been used.