The Toronto police said a man was killed after police shot him near an elementary school on Thursday afternoon, prompting nearby schools to close.

Police were initially called to Maberley Crescent and Oxhorn Road to report a person carrying a rifle in the street around 1 p.m.

About 20 minutes later, paramedics were called to the corner of Lawrence East Street and Port Union Road to report a shooting.

The police said an officer fired at the suspect. A video obtained from the scene shows officers securing a part of Port Union Road.

An orange cloth was seen covering something on the sidewalk. In a Thursday evening press conference, Toronto Police Chief James Ramer described the incident as "shocking" to all involved.

He said: "We certainly understand how shocking this must have been for staff, students, and parents given the two recent events that took place in the United States." "We will increase patrols in the area and will continue to work with our school and community partners, and services will be available to those who need them."