Sylvia Park Mall in Auckland is in lockdown

A shop worker says they've been told a person with a gun has been seen in the area

The worker has seen armed police and police dogs

Reporter Bella Craig describes the situation from outside the mall to Checkpoint.

She says the lockdown is still in place

Shop workers told her they heard gunfire and shop keepers were told to lock their doors.

She said around 20 mins ago a fire engine was leaving with several police cars still outside.

Craig said people told her they could see people running.

Edit @4:20

Auckland City District Police said in a Facebook post that police had responded to an incident near Sylvia Park Mall this afternoon.

"The incident has concluded and there is no risk to public safety.

"There will be a continued police presence in the area as enquiries are undertaken however, the public is asked to avoid the area.