An event organized by a Muslim centre to welcome Syrian refugees to Vancouver took an ugly turn when a cyclist rode by and attacked the group.

Vancouver police said a crowd of refugees was gathered outside the Muslim Association of Canada Centre on Friday night when a man biked past and pepper-sprayed the group, which included children.

There were roughly 15 to 30 victims who had been waiting for the bus after the event, said CBC reporter Rafferty Baker.

Witnesses said several of those who were hit started coughing and complaining of burning eyes.