Person killed after being struck by car at Christchurch shopping centre

Emergency services are at the scene of a fatal incident at a Christchurch shopping centre. Photo / George Heard

A person has been killed after being hit and trapped under a car at a Christchurch shopping centre.

Emergency services were called to the Bush Inn Centre in Riccarton just before 3pm.

A witness said a person was trapped under a car, but was freed and then covered with a blanket.

Police confirmed the death.

"The person died at the scene," said a spokesperson.

"Cordons are in place."

Police superintendent Lane Todd told Stuff a 57-year-old man had been hit by a car as he was cleaning guttering in the mall carpark.

The man was employed by the centre.

It appeared the driver of an SUV didn't see the man and ran him over, Todd said.

"It's obviously a very tragic incident for all those concerned. The driver's … taken it quite badly, as you would expect."

A scene examination was underway and police would be working closely with Worksafe.

Fire and ambulance were also at the scene.

A St John spokesman referred all enquiries to police.

More to come soon.