Boy, 17, in life-threatening condition after west-end laneway stabbing

A 17-year-old boy remains in hospital in life-threatening condition following a stabbing in the city's west end, Toronto police say

Police said the attack happenedaround 12:08 p.m. in a laneway near Ossington Avenue and Harbord Street.

Toronto paramedics said the boy was transported to hospital through an emergency run.

Security camera video obtained by CBC Toronto from a local business showsa group of people in the alleyway at the time of the stabbing. It appears there was an altercation at one point. A fewpeople are seen fleeing the scene. Police are also taking a close look at thevideo.

Const. Shannon Eames, spokesperson for the Toronto Police Service, said police have released no suspect information. Officers were still investigatingand seeking witnessesfrom the area on Monday evening, she said.

The police canine unit searched the area at one point.

Victim a student at high school, principal says

In a letter to parents and guardians on Monday,Alisa Cashore, principal of Central Toronto Academy, confirmed that the boy is a student at the high school. It runs from Grade 9 to 12.

Cashore said the incident happened during the lunch hour. But theToronto District School Board said it did notoccur on school property. The school was not placed on lockdown.

"Our thoughts are with the student and their family," Cashore said in the letter."This is now a police matter, and we are co-operating with police as they conduct their investigation."

She said student safety is "our highest priority" at the school and staff will help in any way they can if parents or guardians have concerns.

TDSB staff, including social workers, will be at the school in the next few days to provide support.

"We understand that this event is very upsetting for many students especially those who may havewitnessed it," Cashoresaid. "Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns."

Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area around 12 noon and saw anything unusual to contact them.