Halton Regional Police are searching for suspects after an armed robbery inside a busy Oakville mall.

It was around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mariani Jewellery Store.

Reports on social media describe a panicked scene with people running and screaming, and police carrying machine guns.

Police say one suspect threatened staff with handgun while the other stole an assortment of watches from the display cases.

The two fled into a waiting vehicle, described as an older model silver Dodge Caravan. Police think there may have been a third suspect inside.

They're described as approximately 5'10" with average builds, wearing dark clothing, blue toques and white masks. One was carrying a red GoodLife gym bag.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825 4747 ext. 2216, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).