The Winnipeg Police Service says help is available for the many people who witnessed a gruesome scene downtown in the middle of Friday afternoon's rush hour. 

Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on July 19, police began to receive numerous reports of an individual in distress near Higgins Avenue and Austin Street. The individual had committed "an act of serious self-harm."

When police arrived in the area officers located the individual at Higgins Avenue and Main Street. Police and a bystander worked together to apply first aid.

Members of the Winnipeg Paramedic Fire Service arrived soon after, and the individual was transported to hospital in critical condition.

There has been no update on the man's condition.

Help available

The Winnipeg Police Service wishes to remind the public of several resources that can be utilized to help anyone affected by this traumatic incident:

- The Klinic Crisis Program operates a variety of crisis phone lines and online support services, providing free and confidential counselling, support and referrals for people who are suicidal, in crisis or struggling to cope. Klinic operates a 24/7 Crisis Line at (204) 786-8686 or toll-free at 1-888-322-3019. More information can be found here.

- The Winnipeg Police Service’s Victim Services Section can assist victims of tragedy and their families by providing support, information and referrals to community support agencies. More information can be found here.

A list of additional community resources is available here.