Police have reopened a large section of Portage Avenue after it was closed to traffic for a homicide investigation in downtown Winnipeg on Tuesday morning.

The road closures, which significantly slowed down the morning commute, were lifted just after 1 p.m.

Police tape surrounded the street in front of the MTS Centre, where clothing and blood could be seen on a curb.

Officers were called to the scene just before 4 a.m. An injured person was rushed to hospital and later pronounced dead.

"Clearly, we're dealing with a violent incident here," said police spokesperson Const. Jason Michalyshen, who would give no details about the victim's gender or age.

Westbound Portage was blocked at Smith Street and eastbound Portage was blocked at Hargrave Street through the morning. ​One block of Donald Street was also blocked, between Ellice Avenue and Portage.

Police have not provided any details about the victim of the homicide in downtown Winnipeg but say Portage Avenue around the MTS Centre will be closed until around noon. (Trevor Brine/CBC)

Michalyshen said the investigation covered a large scene and required "tedious, meticulous" work by the forensic identification unit.

"We are going to inconvenience a lot of people … but that will have to take a back seat to a very unfortunate circumstance," he said during the seven-hour closure. "An individual has lost their life."

Michalyshen would not say if a weapon was involved or if anyone had been arrested.

"It would be premature to start speaking on specifics about what took place," he said, adding that interviews are ongoing.

Anybody with information about the incident is urged to contact the police service's homicide unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

"We're eager to speak to anyone," said Michalyshen.

Downtown workers feel safe

Several Winnipeggers who work downtown told CBC News that even with the homicide, they believe the area is generally safe.

"I do genuinely feel safe downtown. I think it's a good place to work and a good place to live," said Shane Livingstone, who believes the city has to address social problems related to poverty and homelessness.

Greg Kirton, who works near the MTS Centre, said while he believes downtown Winnipeg is not the safest place to be at night, it's still safer than downtown areas in cities like Toronto.

"I feel very comfortable during the day. There's all sorts of BIZ patrol. You have the police station now just down the street," he said.

"I've never had any concerns during the day. But I'm a little nervous about being here at nighttime."