Ohio police searching for suspects after shooting near festival leaves 12 wounded

Authorities in the US state of Ohio were searching for suspects following a shooting near a festival that saw multiple casualties, police said.

"Officers discovered multiple shooting victims" near the Old West End Festival following reports of shots fired, the Toledo Police Department posted on X on Saturday.

"Many victims have been transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The Toledo Police Department is actively searching for the suspect or suspects involved," the department said, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area.

Police later said at least 12 people were wounded in the attack.

Two of the wounded are in critical condition, police said at a news conference. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, police said.

The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo's historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.

Firearms are abundant in the United States, and thousands of people across the country die of gunshot wounds each year.