Terrified shoppers have fled a shopping centre in Florida this evening following reports of an active shooter situation.

Customers with "the look of fear in their eyes" have been seen running for their lives, while others are taking shelter in stores at the Boca Raton mall.

Many are frantically texting their loved ones from inside as the terrifying situation unfolds.

People are being urged to stay away from the area while police, including an armed SWAT team, have descended on the scene.

One person wrote on Twitter: "My wife is a store manager at the Boca Raton Mall. Herself, employees and customers have locked themselves into the stock room because of an active shooter."

Another added: "Scariest call I ever got was just now from my girl. Went out to shop for a dress to go to my uncle's wedding and someone starts shooting while she’s there. Most helpless I’ve ever felt."

Are you in the area or did you see what happened? Email [email protected]

And a third said: "Apparently a shooting is taking place here on the town center mall- we’re all locked on a back of a store here in Boca Raton Florida, everyone stay away from here!!!"

Others have reported a lot of "chaos and confusion going on".

One shopper said: "Currently in saks. It’s locked down from the inside."

And another wrote: "I was just there. Everyone was fleeing the scene. I did not see or hear any shooter from where I was in the mall. I am concerned, though."

According to local media, multiple shots were fired about 3pm local time and the mall is on lockdown.

Boca Raton Police tweeted: "Reports of a shooting at Town Center Mall.

"Boca Raton Police is on scene and currently conducting an active search of the area. Please avoid the mall area. PIO enroute media to meet at 2301 West Glades parking lot."

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