West Auckland’s LynnMall evacuated, armed police swarm shopping precinct after threat

A West Auckland mall has been evacuated this afternoon, with armed police descending on LynnMall and scores of shoppers ushered outside after a threat was made.

Police say a person is in custody after they were called to commercial premises on Great North Rd about 4.20pm after a report of a suspicious item.

“The premises was evacuated by staff as a precaution for public safety while police attended.

“A search was completed, and no concerning or dangerous items were located.”

A spokesperson said the premises had since reopened and cordons were being stood down.

“A person has been taken into custody and further inquiries will be made.”

Photos from the scene show crowds of people standing on the footpath of the evacuated LynMall.

A shopper who was inside Woolworths when the emergency unfolded told the Herald she had to leave her groceries on the conveyor belt when a loud announcement came over the mall intercom.

Shoppers at West Auckland's LynnMall have been evacuated this afternoon.

She said it was a very repetitive announcement that said, “You must evacuate the mall now.”

The shopper said hundreds were gathered outside the mall.

West Auckland's LynnMall was evacuated this afternoon and armed police were spotted at the scene.

As she left the mall, the shopper said she saw even more police cars in the underground parking area near the movie theatre end of the precinct.

“All I saw was police car after police car.”

Another shopper told the Herald that she was in the mall with her daughter when they were evacuated.

She said she saw an older man arrested outside the mall.

“We were evacuated for over half an hour. I’ve never seen so many rifles in my life.”

Everyone who had been standing outside the mall were now being let back inside.

A worker from inside the mall said they were evacuated for around 45 minutes.

He said the police and the mall security have not given them any information after the incident.

“Usually they inform us. We have had no news.”

Today’s evacuation comes nearly three weeks after a dramatic police manhunt that led to the evacuation of the West Auckland mall on May 17.

In that earlier incident the mall was locked down and moviegoers urgently ushered out of screenings at the theatre.

Those watching films were evacuated to the first-floor lobby while multiple police officers swept the theatre complex, including bathrooms.

At the time police said the mall incident was linked to an armed robbery in a nearby suburb.

A 25-year-old was charged with aggravated robbery and police were hunting for a second person.

LynnMall management Kiwi Property Group has been approached for comment.