

Joshua Freeman and Chris Fox, cp24.com





One of two men who were shot early this morning in the King West district has died of his injuries.

Police said 21-year-old Anthony Smith died of his injuries just after noon.

Smith was rushed to hospital with a male friend after they were both shot near King and Portland streets at around 2:30 a.m Thursday. Police said Smith was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries and arrived there in grave condition while his friend was transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police at the scene, the men were walking along the north side of King Street when they were approached from behind by an unknown assailant as they reached Portland Street at around 2:30 a.m.

One of the men was shot twice in the back of the head while the other man was shot in the torso and the arm.

Police told CTV News Thursday afternoon the shooting appears to be the result of a fight that began inside Loki Lounge – a nearby nightclub on King Street – and continued out onto the streets.

They said the shooter, who is still at large, was believed to be wearing a red hoodie. A silver vehicle was also seen fleeing the area.

Several shell casings were found at the scene and a bullet hole was visible in a nearby bus shelter early Thursday. Considering the high number of shots fired, police said it was surprising more people weren’t harmed.

Smith was known to police, but investigators declined to speculate as to the motive for the shooting.

Police canvassed the area around the scene of the shooting Thursday, collecting surveillance footage from cameras at nearby businesses that might have captured part of what happened.

King Street was closed in both directions between Bathurst Street and Spadina Avenue, but was reopened at around 6:30 a.m.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact police.

@Josh_F is on Twitter. Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.