Police are warning about escalating gang violence in Calgary after two people were wounded in a drive-by shooting on Deerfoot Trail on Saturday night.

Acting Staff Sgt. Gord Eiriksson of the Calgary police said the shooting appears to be part of a battle between two gangs, which aren't being named by police.

"When things like this happen. and the opportunity arises and they decide to initiate a shooting, then we're all at risk," he said.

Police suspect Saturday night's shooting near the Calf Robe Bridge was an attempted contract killing.

"It was a targeted attack. One of these vehicles likely followed the other vehicle until they found an opportune time to initiate the attack."

Two women and a man were in the SUV that came under fire, but police have not released the identities of the two wounded people, who are expected to recover.

Police are looking for a dark-coloured, four-door sedan, possibly a rental, in connection with the shooting. Eiriksson said gang members often use fake identification to rent vehicles that will be used in the commission of a crime.

Police are investigating if the Deerfoot shooting is connected to a shooting in Chinatown last month that wounded five people. In that case, four men, aged 17 to 31, have been charged with four counts each of attempted murder and causing bodily harm with intent.