12-year-old seriously injured after shooting near North York playground

TORONTO -

Police say a 12-year-old sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries following a shooting in North York overnight.

It happened near a playground in the area of Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue shortly before 11 p.m.

Officers were first called to the area for a report of gunshots and when police arrived on scene, they located a 12-year-old with gunshot wounds.

The victim was taken to a trauma centre to be treated for serious injuries.

“Clearly there is numerous shell casings there and being that (it was) a very nice night, we are lucky there was not more injuries because this did happen near a playground," Insp. Andy Singh told reporters at the scene on Friday night.

"So that really drives it home the senseless nature and really the brazen nature of what these suspects have done."

The suspects, police say, fled in a vehicle and officers are trying to obtain video from the area to identify the perpetrators.

Anyone with dash camera footage from the area is asked to contact investigators.

Members of the K9 unit are on scene with officers from 12 Division and surrounding divisions, who are conducting an investigation.

“We need the assistance of the community that quite possibly might have the clue that we’re looking for," Singh said.

In a statement released Saturday afternoon, Toronto Mayor John Tory said the shooting is ‘unacceptable’ and an ‘absolute tragedy.’

“I am thankful this young boy is in hospital recovering, and my thoughts are with him and his family during this traumatic time,” Tory said.

“While the number of shootings this year in Toronto has been significantly reduced, there is still an unacceptable level of gun violence in Toronto and cities across Canada.”

Tory is urging anyone with information to contact the police and help them solve the case.

"I know Toronto Police are working hard to arrest the suspects responsible for this shooting," he said.