A pastor and his wife were shot in an Orlando shopping centre on Wednesday night, police have confirmed.

Harold Lee Hardemon, of the New Beginning Worship Center, and his wife, Faith, were at a business they own together at the Washington Shores Shopping Center in West Orlando when a gunman opened fire early on Wednesday evening.

Hardemon is believed to have been shot in the hip, and his wife in the back.

A spokesperson for the Orlando Police Department said in a statement that both victims were conscious, and had been transported to a local hospital for treatment. No medical update has yet been released.

Speaking to ClickOrland.com, Hardemon's father, Harold Hardemon Sr, said: "From what I understand, he's doing a little better shape than she is, but we just hope and pray that both of them are going to be alright.

"We're pretty much a spiritual and Christian church people. For this to happen is just a plan of the enemy."

He added: "I'm very grateful, I'm very blessed that the Lord kept him safe."

According to witnesses, a fight between two men broke out outside the shopping centre, and shots were fired not long afterwards.

The gunman has been identified by police as Denzel Young. He has been charged with attempted homicide and aggravated battery with a firearm.