Two women have been charged with aggravated assault after security guards and a bystander were injured attempting to foil an alleged shoplifting incident at an Auckland mall.

Police were called to Glenfield Mall at around 1.30pm on Friday, responding to reports that security guards had been assaulted while trying to stop the alleged shoplifters from leaving an unidentified store.

Two security guards and a member of the public were violently assaulted, with two of the victims requiring hospital treatment.

Acting Senior Sergeant Alex Waworis, the relieving Waitematā East Communities Manager, said police quickly responded to the incident and arrived at the scene within minutes.

But as the alleged offenders had already left Glenfield Mall, officers then had to track them down.

The women were found close by and taken into custody, with the allegedly shoplifted items subsequently returned to the targeted store, said Waworis.

“We are pleased to have apprehended these alleged offenders and hold them to account for their actions.

“This type of offending is unacceptable, and police will not tolerate it in our community,” he said.

The two women were due to appear in court later this week to face a range of charges.