Dozens get double money at faulty cash machine

Dozens of people who took advantage of a cash machine paying out double the requested sums will not have to return the extra money.

The operator, Bank Machine Ltd, said it would not pursue anyone for the cash.

Crowds gathered at the cash machine in Fintry Road, Dundee, on Thursday evening when rumours spread it was "spilling out" cash.

The company refused to disclose the amount of money lost.

But a spokeswoman said: "We are not going to pursue people. It is up to their conscience whether they return the money or not. If they wish to return the money, the helpline number to contact is on the ATM."

Managing director Ron Delnevo said earlier that the error had occurred because the cash cassettes had been packed incorrectly.

He added: "It is not surprising that this causes some excitement locally. Because it happens so rarely and is dealt with very quickly when it arises, there is no point in being grim-faced about it.

"If the people using the ATM see it as a bit of fun, so be it."

Police were called to the Scotmid store when staff noticed the growing crowd gathering at the cash machine at the front of the shop.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said he estimated about 50 or 60 people had been queuing to use the machine at one point, with others running around with "smiles on their faces".