Authorities were called to an explosion at Browns Supermarket in Wellington Street, Longford, about 2.45am this morning.

The ATM in the wall of the complex had been extensively damaged and firefighters were on scene.

Detective Inspector Scott Flude said an unsuccessful attempt was made to gain entry to the ATM by using oxy-acetylene gas, which has caused the explosion.

He said it was the first time the ATM had been tampered with in this way.

No money was stolen, but police believe the gas bottle was stolen property.

Witnesses saw a white SUV Mitsubishi Outlander leaving the area, immediately after the explosion.

The vehicle travelled back towards the Bass Highway.

Inspector Flude said police believed that three men were in the SUV when it left the scene.

Police recovered the vehicle later in the morning at Carrick, in a culvert in East Street, where it had crashed.

Enquiries have revealed that the SUV had been stolen from Earl Street, Launceston.

Inspector Flude urged anyone who saw suspicious activity in any of the above locations overnight, to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.