The Christmas promotion ended in a fight between visitors. Organizers have released hundreds of balloons with gifts inside.

About 150 people rushed into the battle to receive gifts. The crowd rushed forward, crushing people, knocking over the Christmas decorations along with Santa Claus.

Twelve people were slightly injured, five were taken to hospital with leg and ankle injuries, chest pain and muscle damage, the New South Wales state ambulance said.

As soon as the balloons were released into the air, the crowd rushed to the balloons, resulting in many people being knocked over and injured, the police said in a statement.

The management of the mall told local media that it was investigating the incident.