Flowers have been laid outside the site of Thursday's stabbing in Auckland's Browns Bay, and cordons have now been lifted from the site

Our newsroom has been told the son of the Neco Sushi shop owner was in the store when his mother was stabbed by a man known to the family.

The woman was seriously injured, and the offender died at the scene from self-inflicted wounds.

A note from the Browns Bay Business Association describes the incident as an act of domestic violence -- not a random attack.

The victim's family has left a note in the storefront, thanking the heroes who were present at the time of the incident, and the community, for their support.

It also says doctors have advised the family the woman's condition is stable.