A Toronto Police officer narrowly avoided serious injury after being targeted by gunfire overnight.

It happened just before 3am Monday in the Weston Rd. and Highway 401 area.

The plainclothes officer was in his vehicle inside a parking lot, but sensed his cover might be blown. As he left the scene, shots rang out.

Fortunately he wasn't hit, but one of the bullets lodged in the side of his cruiser.

"He immediately returned to confront the group of six (suspects) solo, while he awaited his backup, identified himself as an officer and that's when the suspects fled," said Det. Paul Worden.

The group reportedly took off on foot.

"Obviously these are traumatic events for any person to go through," noted Insp. Neil Corrigan. "It's no different for police officers and the officer will have the support of the Toronto Police Service to assist him throughout this incident."

Dozens of officers as well as the canine unit spent the day been searching the area for the six individuals. Investigators believe there were several witnesses on nearby apartment balconies that may have seen what happened - they're urged to get in touch with police.

Detectives say the gunfire was preceded by an incident at a nearby nightclub.

"A couple of persons were injured, he saw the persons matching the suspect description," confirmed Det. Worden. "They were deliberately shooting at the officer."

Since the officer didn't return fire, the Ontario Special Investigations Unit wasn't called in.

Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).