Police officers attend the incident at Westfield shopping center in Newmarket.
Photograph: Felix Walton

A man has been arrested following a serious assault in Newmarket on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The incident took place around 14.35 on Broadway near Westfield Shopping Center.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, from Auckland City CIB, said security guards approached a man who produced a knife.

“As a result, one of the guards received a serious stab wound to the neck.

“At this point, we determined they were trying to contact the man regarding a previous incident.”

A 24-year-old person was detained at the scene.

Police cordoned off the area near the Mortimer Pass junction and said investigations were ongoing.

“The victim suffered serious injuries and is receiving medical treatment,” Friend said.

Hato Hone St John said in a statement that a patient in a critical condition was transferred to Auckland City Hospital.

An incident was reported in Broadway, Newmarket at 2.38pm. An ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and an operations manager attended.

“Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened this afternoon,” Friend said.

One man was in police custody and charges were pending.

“Given what happened, I would like to thank the security staff for their swift action this afternoon.”

Police asked witnesses to call 105 quoting reference number P060688447.

A security guard at the scene told an RNZ journalist that the mall would issue a statement.

The bus stop in the shopping mall was closed.