A man in his 20s is in hospital with serious injuries after he was shot several times in Rexdale on Friday night, Toronto police say.

Gunfire struck a passing vehicle, Toronto police duty Insp. Darren Alldrit told reporters at the scene.

The shooting occurred in the area of Rexdale Boulevard and Islington Avenue, north of Highway 401, in a strip mall parking lot, he said. Police were called to the scene at 10:45 p.m.

Police said several gunshots were heard, many people were seen fleeing the area and a man was seen limping.

When officers arrived, they found the injured man, who was suffering from several gunshot wounds. The Police also found several shell casings on the ground.

Toronto police taped off a large area in Rexdale as they investigated the shooting. (Jeremy Cohn/CBC)

Toronto paramedics took the man to a trauma centre with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

"Officers brought in resources. They combed the area, searching for suspects. The investigation is ongoing. Currently, we are searching for video," Alldrit said.

It's "very fortunate there are no other victims at this location," he added.

Police are interviewing witnesses.

The vehicle that was struck by gunfire was simply passing by and "had nothing to do with the shooting," he said.

Officers have been searching the immediate area for a suspect described as about five foot three, with a thin build.