Police release images of two men they wish to speak with after alleged assault at Tweed City Shopping Centre

Police have released images of two men seen running from the scene of an alleged assault in which a 25-year-old was slashed in the face with a tomahawk.

Police have released images of two men seen running from the scene of an alleged assault in which a 25-year-old was slashed in the face with a tomahawk.

Emergency services were called to the Tweed City Shopping Centre on Minjungbal Drive at around 3.30pm on Thursday to reports of an altercation involving several people in which the 25-year-old man was injured.

The man was treated on scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital in a stable condition.

A source from the hospital said the man had presented with a superficial laceration near his right eye which may require surgery.

Two men sought by police after a 25-year-old man was injured in an alleged assault at Tweed City Shopping Centre. Picture: NSW Police Force.

Police said a tomahawk was seized by officers at the scene for forensic examination.

On Friday afternoon they released images of two men and appealed for public help to locate them.

The first man was described by police as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with short dark hair, medium build wearing a black jacket, grey pants and green Nike shoes.

The second man was described as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance, aged in his 20s, with long dark hair, medium build wearing a multi coloured football shirt with the number 10 on it, the Aboriginal flag and cream pants.

Police asked that anyone with information contact them at Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police and ambulance vehicles outside the shopping centre. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

Terrified shoppers took to social media in the wake of the incident, with one saying “there was blood everywhere”.

Jacqueline Garbett wrote: “Wow just saw the guy ... blood everywhere. Was wondering what had happened. Pretty scary stuff.”

Allison Sultana added that one of her son’s mates tried to give first aid to the injured man, saying it allegedly occurred outside the Woolworths store.

Police and ambulance officers at the centre. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

Sara Georgi wrote that families and teens were “piling out of the centre” as the alleged assault played out, saying police arrived “quickly” to the scene.

Lee Rowthrone added: “I was at Woolies and then walked past the sliding doors about 15 minutes before it happened. Counting my lucky stars.”

Kay Daniel added: “You’re not even safe doing your shopping now.”

Another Facebook user criticised Tweed City management, suggesting the centre did not place the centre in an emergency lockdown.

Police at the scene of the alleged assault. Picture: Nine Gold Coast News.

Tweed Councillor James Owen said the alleged incident was “obviously alarming and cause for concern” but reiterated that police were handling the matter.

“In recent months I have received a fair amount of correspondence from residents about anti-social behaviour in the Tweed’s shopping centres – and working closely with the police we will do everything we can to ensure community safety,” Cr Owen said.

“It’s clear the alleged incident on Thursday was next level and I understand it would be upsetting for the community and those who were at the scene.”

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Originally published as Police release images of two men they wish to speak with after alleged assault at Tweed City Shopping Centre