A 15-year-old boy is being treated in the emergency department of Royal Perth Hospital after being attacked with a crowbar at a shopping centre.

The teenager, whose condition is described as critical, suffered serious head wounds at the Flinders Square Shopping Centre in Yokine.

The attack occurred about 4.40pm today at the centre, which was still open, and 7 News Perth reported it drew a considerable amount of blood.

According to 7 News Perth, the boy’s friend also ran to a neighbouring shop to report what had happened.

Much of the shopping centre is now cordoned off and the motives for the attack are still to be determined.

Camera Icon Police have cordoned off areas of the shops. Credit: 7 News Perth

The boy’s mother is understood to be by his side in hospital.