Police have issued an appeal for any video footage taken of a brawl in a Whakatāne shopping centre.

Police officers were called to the intersection of James St and King St in Whakatāne’s Kopeopeo area about 12.30pm on Wednesday after a fight involving several people reportedly broke out.

However, most of the group had fled the scene in vehicles by the time responders arrived, police said.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Hay said the brawl lasted between four and five minutes, and would have been “alarming” for the public at the “well-frequented” shopping centre to witness.

“This sort of public-place violence is unacceptable, and police will not tolerate it – and nor should the community,” Hay said.

“We know there was a large number of people who witnessed this fight, and I’d like to thank all those who called 111 immediately to report the incident.”

Hay said police were inquiring into the incident and were looking for those involved.

He asked those who witnessed the fight, or have footage of it, to call police on 105, to contact them online, or come into the Whakatāne Police station.