A manhunt's been launched in the US to find a gunman who opened fire in a shopping centre in Florida, killing one man. 

The shooting happened yesterday in the Paddock Mall in Ocala, 80 miles northwest of Orlando, Florida.  

Another woman was also seriously injured in the shooting. 

Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken said officers arrived at the mall at roughly 3.40pm after reports of multiple shots being fired inside. 

“Officers immediately made entry into the mall, ultimately discovered that this was not what we would consider an active shooter,” he said. 

“There was a shooting that took place inside them all that we believe was possibly a targeted act of violence.” 

A search is now underway to find the shooter who caused this tragic event. 

“This is the worst thing we can imagine right now at this time of the year,” Mr Balken said.  

“Right now, somebody's suffered a loss in their family – it's a horrible time of year for this to happen ever. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the folks that have been witnesses, to the families of the survivors out there [and] the young man that lost his life tonight.” 

Several others reported injuries following the shooting, including chest pain and a broken arm, according to police. 

The shopping centre has approximately 80 shops, according to its website’s directory.