

Paul Johnston , CP24.com





Toronto police have identified a suspect following a violent attack at a downtown shelter early Tuesday morning.

According to police, a 40-year-old man was sleeping at a shelter located in the Sherbourne and Queen streets area when a man in the next bed threatened to kill him at around 5 a.m.

The suspect then set both his own mattress and the victim’s on fire, and stabbed the victim in the head before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction.

The victim was rushed to hospital where he remains in serious condition, police said.

Police released an image of a suspect wanted in connection with the case Tuesday afternoon.

Gavin Leslie, 25, of Toronto, is wanted for a number of offences, including two counts of assault with a weapon, arson with disregard to human life and uttering threats.

He is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached if spotted, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).