Crime

Explosive placed inside Salem news box

A newspaper box exploded in Salem on Tuesday after an unknown explosive was placed inside it, police said in a Facebook post.

Around 1:19 a.m., a group of seven individuals put an explosive inside a Rainbow Times newspaper box in Salem Square, according to police.

A surveillance video showed the group, dressed in dark colors, walk up to the news box and stand around it for a few seconds, with two individuals getting closer to it.

https://www.facebook.com/SalemMAPolice/videos/391408684316336/

The suspects then suddenly start running away. In the video, smoke is seen seeping from the news box, before a larger explosion with flashes of light erupts, sending smoke billowing up.

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Police said the resulting explosion was heard up to a mile away and shook the downtown area.

Police are asking the public for assistance identifying the suspects. Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin St. Pierre at 978-744-0171.

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