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Winnipeg police say a three-year-old child is in “grave” condition after being seriously assaulted with a weapon in a North End home.

Police were called to a home in the 300 block of Pritchard Avenue Wednesday around 2:35 a.m. where they say a boy was found suffering from significant upper body injuries.

“Words can’t even begin to describe the sadness surrounding this event,” said police spokesperson, Const. Jay Murray at a press conference later in the day Wednesday.

“It’s an unthinkable event and it has to affect the entire city, not just the involved family.” Tweet This

The child was rushed to hospital where he remains in critical condition with family by his side.

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Friends and community members gathered outside the Children’s Hospital Wednesday night to offer their support for the boy and his family.

Family spokesperson Jennifer Spence-Clarke said the boy is on life support, but they remain hopeful.

“Keep praying for this little boy, he’s fighting,” Spence-Clarke said. “We’re like the aunts and uncles, we have to keep supporting this family and supporting the families that are affected by all of the acts of violence this past week.”

Michael Draven / Global News. Michael Draven / Global News

Murray wouldn’t say what type of weapon was used, but did say investigators don’t believe the assault was random.

“I believe that this individual, or at least the individual that we think is responsible, is known to the family,” he said.

Murray said no arrests have been made and wouldn’t speculate on a motive.

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“I’m kind of at a loss for words on how to describe this … I can’t imagine the fear and panic that a three-year-old would feel just before something like this would happen,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be very hard for a lot of people to comprehend that something of this magnitude would happen to a child this age.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS.

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