A man is dead after multiple gunshots were fired near the intersection of King Street West and Peter Street in downtown Toronto.

Det.-Sgt. Terry Browne told reporters that a man in his 20s, who was earlier listed in critical condition, has succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses told police that a silver car pulled up to a parked car on Peter Street north of King and multiple shots were fired at about 4:00 p. m..

Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the car.

George Hancock was at the end of the block when he heard shots ring out.

"I thought it was just construction so I didn't really think much of it until I saw people running down this way," Hancock told CBC News.

He began walking toward his van parked right next to the crime scene when he saw a woman on the ground outside the car that had been shot at.

"She was a mess," he said.

Paramedics appeared to be performing CPR on the victim before they took him away, Hancock said.

"He had a lot of blood on him," Hancock said of the victim.

The victim was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the scene, police said, and he was taken to a nearby trauma centre where he later died.

Police say a silver Infiniti or Lexus may be involved in the shooting.

Peter Street is closed between King Street West and Adelaide Street.

Police are asking witnesses to contact them at 416-808-2222.