Toronto police say they have arrested a driver after a white van struck a number of pedestrians in the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue area.

Eight to 10 people were hit, police said initially, though Toronto paramedics put the injured number at closer to five.  

A witness said separately that he had seen at least four bodies lying covered on the ground.

The van, which may have mounted the curb and hit the pedestrians on the sidewalk, was stopped by police, Const. Jenifferjit Sidhu told CBC Toronto.

Officers were called to the area shortly before 1:30 p.m. ET.

Police closed the southbound lanes of Yonge Street at Finch as they investigated. People were urged to avoid the area.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed condolences as he was heading into question period. He said he was just learning of the incident.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected,” Trudeau said.

He said he would have more to say in the coming hours.

The Toronto Transit Commission, meanwhile, has suspended Line 1 subway service between Sheppard and Finch stations and said there would be no shuttle bus service.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross said northbound trains are emptying at Sheppard station and trains will run empty to Finch station, bypassing North York Centre station.