Woman stabbed in the neck in random attack at SA shopping centre

A man has been arrested after he allegedly stabbed a woman in the back of the neck in an apparently random attack at a South Australian shopping centre.

The man was taken into custody just after 10.30am, after emergency services were called to the scene at Elizabeth Grove Shopping Centre on Fairfield Road, north of Adelaide.

Witnesses said the woman was "minding her own business" at a table and had just bought a coffee when she was attacked from behind. 

The 54-year-old man allegedly fled the scene, but was apprehended by police on nearby Mofflin Road and Hogarth Road.

The victim was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious condition.

The arrested man was also taken to hospital under police guard. 

He is expected to be charged with attempted murder.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.