Toronto police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was shot to death near the city's Greektown on Monday night.

Residents living in the Danforth and Pape Avenues area reported hearing about 10 gun shots just before 8 p.m.

A man was found suffering from several gunshot wounds, lying on the ground on Gough Ave. just steps north of the Danforth.

Police say they believe the man was the target of the shooting.

The victim, 27-year-old Theodoros Tiku, was pronounced dead at the scene. He is of no fixed address and has a criminal history for drug and weapons offences.

Authorities closed off the area to traffic for several hours while they gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses. While several people reported hearing a number of gunshots, investigators received conflicting reports on how many people were involved in the shooting.

Tiku is Toronto's 46th murder victim of the year.

In the neighbourhood, people are shaken by the intrusion of street violence into what they say is a quiet, friendly and safe community.

"I'm sure everyone is so disheartened with what has happened," said witness Gary Taitt.

"It's a little scary, because no one down here is used to that," said Jim Mantziouras of the Greek Grill. He described the crime as "so not Danforth."

Kathy Kollaras of Athena Bakery said she's been in the area 10 years, "and nothing ever happened before."

Police say the gunman or gunmen may have used a silver car.

People with information are asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and a message to CRIMES (274637).

With a report from CTV Toronto's Jim Junkin