Halifax Regional Police say a 24-year-old man is fighting for his life after being shot several times in Dartmouth on Monday evening.

Police said the shooting happened in a backyard near Primrose Street and Pinecrest Drive around 5:20 p.m.

The man, who is from Dartmouth, managed to run to Jackson Road, where police said someone called for an ambulance.

Police released few details about the incident Monday night as the investigation was underway. Staff Sgt. Reid McCoombs said the shooting involved several men.

"Anytime there's a shooting, we have concern for public safety," he said. "Having said that, we don't believe this was a random incident."

McCoombs wouldn't say how many times the victim was shot.

No one has been arrested.

Officers remained on the scene Monday night, along with the Forensic Identification Section. They were expected to return to the scene Tuesday morning to continue collecting evidence.

The police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.