Police in Winnipeg are urging the city's homeless people to be extra vigilant in the wake of two homicides that investigators believe are related.

The first victim, described by police as an "older" man, was found dead at 329 Hargrave St. at about 12:45 a.m. The second victim, also a man, was found steps away, behind 333 Portage Ave., just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Investigators believe one suspect is responsible for both murders based on "proximity, time and how they were killed," Inspector Jamie Blunden said in an interview on Sunday.

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A news release posted to the police service's website asked the city's homeless "to use caution, avoid secluded areas and, if at all possible, walk with others."

The area is in the city's downtown core, which has a higher crime rate and population of homeless people, Insp. Blunden said. However, he added that there are "a number of beat officers on the street" and that while vigilance is urged, Winnipeg is a safe city.

"If you're going to walk down a back lane at 2 a.m., I think you need to have vigilance – it doesn't matter whether it's Toronto, Winnipeg or Vancouver," he said. "As a police service, we would caution vigilance for individuals walking in the streets at certain times and in certain areas."

On Sunday, Winnipeg police released photos of a person of interest. Insp. Blunden could not comment on whether the man is considered a suspect.

Autopsies and next-of-kin notifications are pending.