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Ontario’s police watchdog has been called in to investigate after a Niagara region police officer was critically injured by gunfire — allegedly after an altercation with a fellow cop.

The Special Investigations Unit says two Niagara Regional Police officers were in the town of Pelham, southwest of St. Catharines, to investigate a vehicle collision that had occurred days prior.

“Around noon, there was an interaction between two of the officers and one of the officers was struck by a gunshot,” Monica Hudon, spokesperson for the SIU, told reporters on Thursday evening.

WATCH: Ontario police officer shoots another officer

1:36 Ontario police officer shoots another officer Ontario police officer shoots another officer

A 52-year-old officer was transported to a local hospital but was then airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital in critical condition.

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Niagara police said in a brief statement earlier on Thursday that there had been “an incident” involving its members in which an officer was injured in Pelham.

The police force did not provide details on what had occured due to the police watchdog investigation.

WATCH: SIU provides details on shooting involving 2 officers in Niagara region

3:28 SIU provides details on shooting involving 2 officers in Niagara region SIU provides details on shooting involving 2 officers in Niagara region

Scene still very much active here at Effingham St and Roland Rd. @SIUOntario expected to give update to the media around 5 pm. No word yet on if @NiagRegPolice will speak to us. @globalnewsto pic.twitter.com/8VeODGyXRo — Kamil Karamali (@KamilKaramali) November 29, 2018

Neighbours told Global News that police were in the area for several hours prior to the shooting, and shots were fired during a fight between two officers.

WATCH: Police on scene after Ontario police officer shot in incident

0:57 Police on scene after Ontario police officer shot in incident Police on scene after Ontario police officer shot in incident

The SIU investigates reports of injury, death or allegations of sexual assault involving police.

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The agency said it has assigned eight investigators and three forensic investigators to the case. They are appealing to the public to come forward with information and video.

WATCH: SIU has investigated past cases of officer being injured by another officer discharging their weapon

0:52 SIU has investigated past cases of officer being injured by another officer discharging their weapon SIU has investigated past cases of officer being injured by another officer discharging their weapon

– With files from Kamil Karamali and Jeremy Cohn

BREAKING: The @NiagRegPolice officer injured in Pelham was shot multiple times by a fellow sergeant, police sources tell @globalnewsto. Neighbours say they saw the officer laying on the ground. pic.twitter.com/CLmWxTNkB7 — Jeremy Cohn (@JeremyGlobalTV) November 29, 2018

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#BREAKING | @SIUOntario confirms that the officer shot — was shot by a fellow Niagara Regional Police officer. SIU spokesperson is en route to the scene and will speak with media. @globalnewsto pic.twitter.com/vhkEjHbbjC — Kamil Karamali (@KamilKaramali) November 29, 2018