New Zealand police say they have arrested a suspect after five people were stabbed at a supermarket in the city of Dunedin on Monday afternoon, DW reported.

Police said the attack took place at a Countdown supermarket in central Dunedin, on New Zealand's southern island, at about 2:30 p.m. local time.

Witnesses told local media a man carrying two knives had stabbed staff, as well as bystanders who tried to stop him and pin him down.

People reported a chaotic scene as people began screaming and running toward the store exits.

Health authorities said three of the wounded individuals had been admitted to intensive care, with one admitted to a general ward and the other discharged.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said police had assured her the Dunedin attack did not have security implications.

The prime minister added that police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident and thanked customers who had tried to intervene.