A man was stabbed several times during an altercation on Friday night that police said began over a cigarette.

At about 10:15 p.m., a 54-year-old man was walking in the area of the back lane of Flora Avenue at McKenzie Street when he was approached by two men he did not know. One of the men asked him for a cigarette, and he declined, police said.

After further conversation, there was a physical altercation between the victim and two suspects, during which the 54-year-old man was stabbed a number of times in the upper body.

Both suspects fled the scene running eastbound, police said.

The victim was able to walk to a nearby business, where police and emergency medical responders were notified. He was transported to the hospital in unstable condition and has since been upgraded to stable condition.

Police continue to investigate.