Barrington Mall in Christchruch was yesterday cordoned off, as Canterbury Police carried out an unknown investigation.

Police NZ issued a statement yesterday confirming that part of the mall was closed as part of an ongoing investigation, urging shoppers to avoid the area.

Armed police were reportedly on the scene, with The Press speculating that the barriers were established following  the dumping of a car at the mall, with its occupants fleeing through the shopping precinct.

The cordons were removed late in the afternoon, however, mystery still surrounds the nature of the investigation.

Retail trade was unaffected by the partial shut down.