Anyone with links to the Duhre and Dhak groups could be at risk in the wake of a shooting of one of their associates, police cautioned in an unusual warning issued Tuesday.

Supt. Tom McCluskie of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit's Gang Task Force said they have reason to believe those people are being targeted by rival criminal groups, and that gang tensions are escalating.

"We are issuing this warning to family, friends and others who are linked to these groups and highly recommend they take note of the risks when in contact with the Duhres and Dhaks, including their associates," he said.

McCluskie admits that the warning is unorthodox but insists it needs to be taken very seriously.

"We want to assure the public that every effort is being made to get ahead of this violence should it erupt again on our streets," McCluskie said.

The shooting Friday night took place on a city street and police say the public nature of the crime increases the likelihood an innocent bystander will get caught in the middle.

Police say the young man injured is a gang member and the shooting was targeted.

CFSEU officers are working with the RCMP Serious Crimes Section on the investigation.