Terrified shoppers feared the worst as the Cannington centre was plunged into lockdown about 3.30pm on Friday, with people heard yelling and screaming as others ran through the complex.
Security cameras captured the moment shoppers began fleeing the area outside the Cotton On Body store, after a 20-year-old man was possibly slashed in the face with a knife.
Police quickly descended on the shopping centre, securing a knife inside that store as frightened shoppers consoled each other.
Police say three males were involved in a physical altercation and it’s believed two were armed with knives. It’s not yet known if the men were already known to each other.
Both of those weapons have been recovered – one by an off-duty officer.
“Considering what occurred in the eastern states, in Bondi in recent times, and other reports of knives in our community, it’s completely understandable that people would be concerned,” Inspector Geoff DeSanges told media.
“However, I want to reassure the community that there was no cause for alarm.”
A manhunt was under way across Perth for two men involved but police don’t believe there’s an ongoing threat to the community.
“A large police presence will remain at the scene assisting with this investigation,” DeSanges said.
Store owners have since complained about the lack of communication from Westfield about the incident.