The man shot by specialist police officers at a busy shopping centre in Townsville has been identified.

Aaron Bourke suffered critical injuries when tactical officers opened fire on him at the Willows Shopping Centre in Thuringowa Central, Townsville, Queensland, on July 27.

He was found hiding under a set of stairs at the BIG W loading dock.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Police shoot wanted man at popular shopping centre.

Police had been hunting for the 29-year-old man over a series of serious alleged offences, including violent and weapons-related matters.

According to authorities, he was considered “high-risk” and had made direct threats towards officers in the lead-up to the confrontation.

“He was of high-risk, had extensive history of violence and weapons offences,” said Queensland Police Union spokesperson Shane Prior.

The Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), deployed from Brisbane, was tasked with locating and arresting Bourke when the situation escalated inside the shopping centre shortly after 3.15pm.

Bourke was shot three times, with injuries to his face, left arm and left side of his abdomen.

Officers rendered immediate first aid at the scene before he was rushed to Townsville University Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

He is now in a stable condition.

It has not been confirmed whether Bourke was armed at the time.

However, police have stressed there was “no risk to community safety” throughout the incident.

The officer who fired the shots has been identified as a five-year Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) veteran.

“They’re trained to make a thorough risk assessment of whatever circumstances they’re confronted with,” Acting Superintendent Damian Crisby said then.

Bourke’s case was briefly mentioned in court on Tuesday, with his appearance excused.

The matter was adjourned to September 17 for mention.

No application for bail was made, and Bourke was remanded in custody.

The shooting is under investigation by the Ethical Standards Command, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.