CCTV footage shows the terrifying moment a gunman opened fire on customers in a shopping mall bloodbath, killing three people including a young child.

The shooting took place during a botched gold store robbery at a shopping mall in Lopburi, Thailand on Thursday.

The masked man shot dead a security guard followed by a young woman working at the gold store before turning his gun on the little boy as he walked hand-in-hand with his mother.

At least five others - including one tourist - were seriously injured and rushed to hospital after the bloodbath at the Robinson's store, about 100 miles north of Bangkok at around 9pm local time (2pm UK time).

CCTV footage shows people buying jewelry at the store before a gunman opened fire

The masked man burst into the Robinson store in Lopburi 150km north or Bangkok at around 9pm local time

The gunman aims his weapon at a staff member before climbing on top of the jewelry display

The two staff died at the scene and the boy died later at hospital.

Police believe the masked gunman is a trained expert in firearms. The search has been suspended and will resume on Friday morning.

Police Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen said: 'We believe the robber has been trained in the use of weapons before this.

'Studying the gestures he made when shooting, it is unlikely to be someone who has never used guns before.

'The equipment he had was specialised and not something that is easily acquired. The search will continue in the morning.'

Witnesses said the boy's mother was inconsolable as she wept and cradled her child after the shooting.

Police Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen said the police already knew the gunman's identity and were searching for him.

The gunman stands on top of the jewelry display

The masked man shot dead a security guard followed by a young woman working at the gold store before turning his gun on the little boy as he walked hand-in-hand with his mother

He said: 'The police are now patrolling all areas and are looking for the man.

'Witnesses have described his appearance and we know his identity.

'Moreover, we sent the force to the scene inspecting evidence including the fingerprints.

A pool of blood on the floor behind the jewelry display after the gunman opened fire

Pictures from the mall show several wounded shoppers in pools of blood

Paramedics attend to the wounded after a gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in Thailand

Paramedics attend to the wounded. At least five others - including one tourist - were seriously injured and rushed to hospital

CCTV shows the gunman fleeing on a motorcycle before police arrived on the scene

'We will take this extremely seriously and if the gunman resists the arrest the police will shoot him without hesitation.'

CCTV shows the gunman fleeing on a motorcycle before police arrived on the scene.

He is believed to have robbed a gold store inside the mall and left with valuables.

Pictures from the mall show several wounded shoppers in pools of blood.

A mother is seen on CCTV holding her two-year-old daughter's hand moments before the crazed gunman opens fire and kills the little girl, a security guard and a young woman