Toronto police are searching for a seven-year-old boy who may have witnessed a shooting incident Tuesday that sent two men to hospital in the city's northeast.

The child has been identified as Calvin Richardson. Police believe he may have been in the apartment at the time of the shooting and want to ensure that he is not injured.

The shooting took place in a ground-floor unit near Lawrence Avenue East and Pharmacy Avenue shortly after 2 p.m. ET, police said. Witnesses said they heard at least five shots fired.

"There was a confrontation involving more than two males, and it seems during that time gunfire was exchanged," Toronto police Insp. Neil Corrigan told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

Corrigan said investigators are searching the area for the boy.

"We're attempting to locate people who may have fled the scene to ensure their safety," Corrigan said. "There could be a child who was in the apartment, too, so we're attempting to locate his whereabouts at this time."

One of the victims was shot in the chest and is being treating in hospital for what police described as a life-threatening wound. The other man was shot in the leg.

Police have no suspect description as of yet.

Shortly after the shooting, witnesses said they saw the two shooting victims get into a car and attempt to drive away, but the vehicle then crashed into a tree.

"The passenger got out, made a beeline through the parking lot, the driver got out, took 10-15 steps and fell face first," said an unidentified woman who witnessed the crash.

She also said she saw a woman in the car who hadn't been shot get out and scream for help before being picked up by another vehicle.

"She just stopped a random car and got in and they drove away," the witness said. It is unclear whether the woman has been in touch with police.