ChchNews a1099 ra -----

A manhunt is underway after armed police swarmed a West Auckland mall looking for alleged robbers.

Police tracked two people to New Lynn Mall shortly after 5pm yesterday, after reports of a person being robbed by two men and threatened with a firearm.

The incident saw the mall locked down and moviegoers urgently ushered out of screenings.

A man told our newsroom he was watching Mission Impossible when the lights came on and a member of staff came in shouting everyone should leave because the police are here.

A 25-year-old man has been charged with aggravated robbery and is due to appear in Auckland District Court tomorrow - a second person is still on the run.