Police have released more details about a brawl at a South Auckland liquor store, where a shop owner was stabbed.

Around 5.30pm yesterday a youth entered the shop on Gibson Rd in the suburb of Otara. The shop keeper thought the teenager was shoplifting, but when he approached the boy at least four more teenagers became involved in what turned into a fight.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Pizzini says the man's wife and two others came to his assistance, but were unable to stop the brawl. He says weapons including a fence paling, knives, a hockey stick and a long bar or stick were used.

Three people were taken to hospital, but have since been discharged. Their injuries range from cuts to the face, a stab wound to the thigh and serious head injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pizzini says it is extremely concerning people as young as 16 are walking the streets heavily intoxicated and carrying knives.

"Officers are interviewing witnesses, canvassing neighbours, locating weapons and suspects. Some search warrants are being executed."