A gunman opened fire in a busy food court at one of Canada's best known shopping malls, Toronto's Eaton's Centre, killing a 25-year-old man and leaving seven others injured, police said, according to AFP.

"The nature of the wounds indicate this individual was targeted," said Toronto police chief Bill Blair. "The others were innocent bystanders."

The police chief urged all possible witnesses to come forward and assist with the investigation. He declined to comment on the possible motives of the crime.

Hundreds of people were in the area at the time of the incident around 6:30 pm local time (2220 GMT).

The area around the mall, Toronto's largest, was cordoned off by police shortly after the shooting.

Police have a description of the suspect from eyewitnesses, Blair said, adding that the manhunt for the killer was on.

The wounded, some of whom were in serious condition, were being treated at local hospitals. They included a 13-year-old boy. Also hurt was a pregnant woman, who escaped the bullets but was knocked down in the ensuing stampede.