Two 17-year-olds were rushed to hospital in critical condition overnight after each person was shot four times, at incidents just blocks apart, emergency officials say.

Acting staff Sgt. Oliver Mann told CBC News that police are investigating after two people were shot in the area of Upper Ottawa and Limeridge Road East.

"Right now, it's an ongoing investigation," Mann said. "Both men have serious injuries, but are expected to live."

Hamilton paramedic District 2 Supervisor Jeff Dunford told CBC news that the first shooting happened at 1:50 a.m., on Queen Victoria Drive.

Paramedics found a 17-year-old male with four gunshot wounds. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Then six minutes later at 1:56 a.m., paramedics were called about a second shooting nearby, on Lawnview Drive, which is about ten blocks away.

They found a second 17-year-old victim, who had also been shot four times, Dunford said. He too was rushed to hospital in critical condition.

In a news release issued Sunday afternoon, Mann classified their injuries as now serious, but non-life-threatening.

"The incident is believed to be an isolated incident and the public is not considered to be at risk," the news release reads.

"Hamilton Police currently do not have anyone in custody from this incident at this time."

Mann said that police are searching for witnesses who were in the area overnight, and may have seen or heard something.

adam.carter@cbc.ca