At least nine people were injured when an Eritrean protest held in a western Toronto park turned violent on Saturday, prompting police to warn residents to stay away from the area.

Officers were called to Earlscourt Park, near Caledonia Road and St. Clair Avenue West, just before 10 a.m.

According to police, there was a large crowd in the park and reports of a man carrying a knife, along with a fight occurring. Residents of the park told CTV News Toronto that some tents were set on fire.

Investigators later stated that there was a festival in the park and a counter-protest emerged. The two groups then clashed, resulting in several injuries.

Paramedics confirmed that one patient sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital with stab wounds.

Police added that eight other people were injured but their injuries were not life-threatening.

Hours later, police warned residents to avoid the area and urged festival-goers to leave the park, indicating that they may not be able to ensure their safety.

Estimates indicated that about 200 demonstrators remained in the area until 2:30 p.m., with officials on social media stating that a heavy police presence could be seen in the park as "officers from across the city are helping to maintain control."

No charges have been laid so far.

The event is called the Toronto Eritrean Festival, which has been described as a sports and cultural festival held in the city from August 5 to August 7.

According to eyewitnesses, people began gathering at the family event to protest against the country's government, which has been described by human rights groups as repressive. There have been no elections in Eritrea since the first president took power decades ago.

Protesters argued that events like the one held in Toronto raise funds for the Eritrean government.

One protester told CTV News Toronto that violence is unnecessary and that they simply want these events canceled.

Dawit Dimos said, "I want Canadian citizens, Canadian authorities, and the Canadian police to know that this event is sponsored and organized by extremist loyalists to the Eritrean dictator. The reason the regime has remained in power is to obtain financial resources from events like these. All we want is for this event to be stopped so that these people can’t fund and support the Eritrean government."

However, Toronto festival-goers said what began as peaceful chanting on Saturday morning quickly turned violent, leaving many feeling unsafe.

Rura Asgudom, a long-time attendee of the festival, told CTV News Toronto: "They didn’t care about anyone’s well-being. This is something we gather for as Eritreans, it has nothing to do with our political identity; we share different views."

City councillor Alejandra Bravo, in a statement on social media, said she was "shocked and saddened to hear of the violence that erupted during a political protest at the festival in Earlscourt Park."

In a subsequent statement released later on Saturday, the councillor condemned the "violent attack" that left the community shaken, stating: "Using violence as a method of intimidation is absolutely unacceptable."

Bravo added that she went to the park and spoke to community leaders, city staff, and police.