A serious stabbing incident has turned into a homicide investigation.

Police were called to the area of Young Street and Portage Avenue just after 5 a.m. this morning regarding a disturbance.

Emergency officials found two men with gashes to their upper body. A 17-year old was taken to hospital in critical condition while a 21-year old was also taken to hospital suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

The teen succumbed to his stabbing injuries a short time later while the 21-year old was released.

Investigators say the two men were walking in the area when they became entangled in a verbal dispute with the occupants of a vehicle.

The verbal confrontation escalated to a physical attack in which both victims were stabbed. The suspects then fled the area.

The Winnipeg Police Service Homicide Unit is investigating the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 786-8477.