SALEM — Police are investigating a bank robbery at Citizen's Bank that happened Monday afternoon inside the Shaw's Supermarket just after 2 p.m.

The suspect, dressed in a black hat, T-shirt and sunglasses, passed a note to a teller demanding money, claiming he had a bomb and a hostage, police said.

A dye pack stuck inside a bag with the money exploded while the suspect was fleeing the store, and the money was left behind, according to police.

A police K-9 came to scene and tracked the suspect to a nearby parking lot for a 7-11 store on Cluff Crossing Road. The trail ended there, police said. Witnesses said the man was white, and between the ages of 25 and 35.

The man may also have red dye on him and possible hand injuries because of the exploding dye pack, police said.

Police said they do not know exactly how much money was taken and later recovered. Investigators released three photos of the suspect captured from surveillance footage. Anyone with information is asked to call Salem police at 893-1911 or anonymously through Crimeline of Southern New Hampshire at 893-6600.

jkimble@newstote.com