A 27-year-old woman was arrested this morning after two gunmen barricaded themselves inside a shopping centre and movie theatre near Wollongong this morning.

Police are still searching for two gunman after the bungled robbery this morning.

The woman is helping police with their enquiries.

Lake Illawarra Police established a perimeter around the centre in Warrawong this morning.

They said security reported two people have entered the premises at around 6:10am this morning.

The Westfield shopping centre was been closed to all members of the public and staff.

A search of the complex by specialist police was unable to locate anyone.