Police say a 12-year-old Winnipeg child died in a stabbing on Friday night.

According to police, a 12-year-old child died after being stabbed during an incident between two groups in a north Winnipeg neighborhood on Friday evening. Officers discovered the youngster injured on Burrows Avenue near Main Street around 7:19 p.m., according to Winnipeg Police Service spokesperson Const. Jay Murray at a press conference on Saturday morning.

Murray identified an off-duty nurse as a Good Samaritan who assisted police in caring for the youngster until an ambulance arrived. The 12-year-old was brought to the hospital and died. Murray said he can't reveal any more information about the boy's identity right now, but his family may opt to do so later. While no charges have been filed, Murray said the homicide unit worked all night and made substantial progress in its investigation into the boy's death.

According to him, police do not believe the altercation was gang-related, and there are signs that the parties may not have even known each other before their encounter. "I think the public — friends, and family — are going to want to know why something like this would happen, especially to a 12-year-old," Murray said.

"A large number of people will be looking for solutions. Our detectives are looking for such answers. They're looking for justice, and we're optimistic we'll be able to help them at some time." Some elements of the case are "exceptionally distressing," according to Murray, but they may not be made public until charges are filed — or until the issue is resolved in court. Cases involving such young children are uncommon, and dealing with them can be very challenging for first responders, he said.

"I'm at a loss for words to characterize this homicide... It's incredibly difficult. Many of the persons who assist in these circumstances are also parents. They could be able to parents to children of that age "Murray stated."I believe the community will be in shock. I can't imagine how much suffering the family members are going through. And our cops, first responders, and medical professionals will undoubtedly experience some sadness as a result of this."