Woman dead, multiple injuries after Toronto mass shooting

A woman has been killed and a young girl is critical after a gunman opened fire outside a restaurant in Toronto, Canada.

The mass shooting took place in the Riverdale neighbourhood shortly before 10pm (local time) on Sunday in the city’s Greektown area.

Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders confirmed 15 people were shot, including the shooter who died after an exchange of gunfire with police.

He also revealed the girl who is critical is aged 8 or 9.

“We are looking at all possible motives and not closing any doors,” Chief Saunders said.

Toronto Police Homicide Squad are leading an investigation.

Earlier, local media reported the victims were “spread across several blocks”.

‘Very peaceful’ neighbourhood

Toronto Mayor John Tory said he believed the shooting was evidence of a “gun problem” in Toronto, adding the incident unfolded in a “very peaceful part of the Danforth” and the community was in shock.

“It’s almost inconceivable that these things can happen,” Mr Tory said, according to CBC.

“Guns are too readily available to too many people.”

Greektown is a lively residential area with crowded Greek restaurants and cafes.

Witness Jody Steinhauer told CBC News she was at a restaurant with her family when she heard what sounded like 10 to 15 blasts of firecrackers.

She said she was told to run to the back of the restaurant.

“We started to hear people scream out front,” Ms Steinhauer said.

With Reuters and AAP.