One person is in police custody after an alleged stabbing at Bayfair Shopping Centre.

Armed police swarmed Bayfair earlier today following reports of "an assault" at the centre.

A person was seen being carried out on a stretcher before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

“Omg locked in the salon due big stabbing incident in Countdown next door in Bayfair mall," says one shopper on social media following the incident.

"Cops running round with big guns and other police and ambos here. In bloody Mt Maunganui!!! It’s happening all round the world!”

In an updated statement, a police spokesperson says officers have "taken a female youth into custody".

"Further police action is being considered, however, police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the assault."

The victim remains in a serious condition in hospital.