SHANGHAI, May 22 (Xinhua) -- One man was seriously injured when shots were fired during a brawl Friday in Shanghai's downtown Putuo District, said police.

    Police have yet to name the injured man.

    A police officer said they were looking for a suspect who appeared to have gone into hiding shortly after the shooting.

    Police were informed of the incident at the entrance of Huilihuayuan Residence in Alley 822 on Changshou Road around 12:30 p.m. Friday, and rushed to the site with an ambulance.

    The injured man was found to be lying on the ground, said the police officer. Police cordoned off the residence.

    Witnesses said a group of men were arguing immediately before the incident. One man pulled out a handgun and fired twice, hitting another man. The suspect and his companions fled in a car.

    The injured man was taken to Huadong Hospital, where doctors said he was in a critical condition.

    The police officer would give no further details.

    Chinese law prohibits the private ownership of guns.