Armed robbers left a trail of blood and destruction as they rampaged through a shopping mall in South Africa, leaving seven people injured.
Two of those hurt were alleged bandits following the attempted heist at around 11.15am today at the Bedford Centre in Bedfordview, a town around 12 miles east of central Johannesburg.
Gauteng police had sealed off the crime scene this afternoon to collect evidence following the shootout between a group of armed men and security guards.
Among the injured were three customers caught in the crossfire and two security guards. Police recovered an AK-47 and an unlicensed handgun at the scene.
The 9mm could be seen in one of a number of dramatic pictures showing the popular shopping centre's bright white floor smeared with a vivid trail of blood, while the ground ground was also strewn by broken glass caused by stray bullets.
A video tracking the path of blood was posted onto a page called Special Operations Group on Facebook.
The botched robbery reportedly targeted a bank inside the mall, according to vocativ.com, with the gang approaching security guards who were collecting cash from a bank before a short but intense firefight broke out.
He added that the guards were both shot in the leg and are in a stable condition.
Netcare 911 spokesperson Santi Steinmann told News24 that the shooting happened at about 11:15, and paramedics received the call at about 11:30.
Those who had been shot are in a serious to critical condition and have been taken to various hospitals, Netcare 911 spokesperson Santi Steinmann.
Other suspects may be at large, police confirmed.
A grey VW Jetta sedan, with blood stains on it, was sealed off by the police looking for clues.
A firearm was spotted underneath the vehicle and a shoe lay nearby.
A tweet on an account for Bedford Centre said: 'Bedford are investigating this horrific incident. We will release a statement as soon as we have more information.'
Another tweet said: 'No stores were involved. Shootout between SBV and robbers.'
One person was shot in the head, arm and abdomen while another was shot in the arm, said paramedics spokesperson Danielle Dooley.
One suspect was shot in the leg and tried to run away but was found in the basement area, she added.
Another suspect had been shot in the chest and was found near the escalators.
An elderly woman was found hiding between clothing rails at a store. She had a heart condition and was experiencing chest pain.
She was treated on scene and transported to hospital by for further medical treatment.
Police wouldn't confirm the number of suspects but witnesses told an eNCA reporter they saw at least five suspects.
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