Toronto police officer injured after being bitten by raccoon

A Toronto police officer suffered serious injuries to his hands and wrists after being bitten by a raccoon on Monday.

Police said the male officer was responding to an animal distress call in the area of Sherbourne and Howard around 12:18 p.m. when we was bitten.

A local store owner reported the raccoon was acting strangely and may be blind, police said.

The officer was taken to hospital where he will likely require stitches.

Police said the raccoon was captured, will be tested for rabies and euthanized.