At least 11 people aged between 5 and 65 were killed and dozens injured when a man with a history of mental health issues rammed an SUV through a crowd at a Filipino community festival in the western Canadian city of Vancouver, police said on Sunday. 

Police arrested a 30-year-old Vancouver man at the scene of the incident on Saturday evening, describing him as having had a "significant history" of interactions with authorities involving mental health. They said there was no evidence of terrorism.

"This is the darkest day in our city's history," Vancouver Interim Chief Constable Steve Rai told reporters at a Sunday press conference.

He said dozens of people were injured, some critically, and warned that the death toll could rise in coming days and weeks. As of Sunday afternoon, Rai said he did not believe there were any ongoing threats to the community.

More than 100 police officers joined the investigation, as local officials worked with provincial and federal authorities to provide support services. Messages of condolence and support came from across the globe.

"The community will feel this for a long time," RJ Aquino, chair of the community advocacy group Filipino BC, told reporters. "We want to tell everybody that we're grieving. We want to tell everybody that we see and hear the support from around the world at this point."

The attack on Saturday evening took place two days before Canada's federal election on Monday. A spokesperson for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he would be traveling to Vancouver on Sunday.

(Production: Lisa Giles-Keddie)