An adolescent of 16 is in critical condition and a 20-year-old sustained serious injuries following a stabbing incident at a shopping center in Adelaide during the Black Friday rush.

A clash involving four males erupted shortly after 2 p.m. (ACDT) at Elizabeth City Centre in Adelaide’s northern region, prompting the activation of the center’s alarm and leading to a lockdown of the premises.

The younger victim, a 16-year-old, suffered a stab wound to his leg and was swiftly transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where his injuries are deemed life-threatening.

“All I saw was a group of people tangled up, then some began fleeing as one fell to the ground, bleeding profusely with a knife lodged in his leg,” a witness recounted.

“I tried to assist by purchasing a towel to help control the bleeding, but security personnel were quick to respond,” the witness added.

Meanwhile, the 20-year-old victim, who was stabbed in the abdomen, is reported by police to be in stable condition.

“People were just shocked, horror, crying in tears, it was pretty devastating to see,” the witness said.

Police swiftly pounced on a suspect at the scene and took him into custody.

The knife used in the attacks was also recovered, police said.

Detectives are also interviewing a 16-year-old boy they believe may have been involved.

Another suspect remains on the run.

SA Police Superintendent Amit Sareen said the shopping centre was particularly busy at the time due to the Black Friday sales.

”There were quite a few people around,” he said.

He has reassured the community the incident “was not a random attack”.

“The group was known to each other,” he said.

Part of the centre remains blocked off as police continue their investigations.

A heavy police presence is expected to remain at the centre as shoppers take advantage of extended trading hours for Black Friday.