A manhunt's begun for the person responsible for seriously injuring another person at Tauranga's Bayfair Shopping Centre

Armed officers are at the scene, assisted by two ambulances.

Police confirm the offender's left the mall area -- and they're making positive enquiries to find them.

Bay of Plenty Times reporter, Megan Wilson is there.

She says a Countdown manager has addressed the crowds, saying 'everything's well in-hand', and confirms they'll remain shut until tomorrow.

Wilson says she's seen a person being wheeled out on a stretcher, into an ambulance.