One woman is dead and a young girl is critically injured after a shooter opened fire in the Canadian city of Toronto on Sunday night, local time.
The suspected shooter died at the scene after emergency services responded about 10pm local time on Sunday (12 noon AEST).
There are 14 other victims of the shooting at Danforth Avenue near Logan Avenue in the city’s Greektown, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said at a press conference.
One young woman is dead and a girl aged eight or nine has been critically injured.
Chief Saunders confirmed there was an exchange of gunfire and said a handgun was used by the suspected shooter.
He would not be drawn on a motive and would not rule out terrorism.
Toronto Mayor John Tory said the public should not jump to any conclusions, as police had not reached a conclusion.
Cr Tory said Toronto was a safe city. But he said the city had a gun problem and guns were too readily available.
Chief Saunders said the scene, covering a big distance, was still an active investigation hours later as authorities worked to ensure the environment was safe.
The suspected shooter was “walking and shooting” along Danforth Avenue, witnesses said.
Witness Jody Steinhauer told CBC News she was at a restaurant on Danforth Avenue with her family when she heard what sounded like 10 to 15 firecracker blasts.
She said she was told to run to the back of the restaurant.
“We started to hear people scream out front,” Steinhauer said.
Global News Toronto reporter Jeremy Cohn earlier said, “Victims are spread across many blocks”.
Shots can be heard in video posted to Twitter, purportedly taken by a resident at Danforth Avenue.
Ontario state Premier Doug Ford described the incident as a “horrific act”.
“My heart goes out to the victims and loved ones of the horrific act of gun violence in Toronto. Thank you to all the first responders for acting quickly to help everyone affected,” he wrote on Twitter.
Chief of Toronto Fire Services Matthew Pegg tweeted condolences to the victims.
“On behalf of Toronto @Toronto_Fire, I extend my sincere condolences to family, friends and all those affected by the tragic events on Danforth tonight. Thank you to all our @TorontoPolice @TorontoMedics @Toronto_Fire first responders.”
Toronto Transit Commission said the subway was bypassing Chester Station due to police activity.