EMS have rushed a man to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition after a stabbing in downtown Calgary early Monday evening.

Police responded to the stabbing near 9th Avenue and First Street S.E. at around 5:10 p.m.

The victim is believed to be in his 30s, EMS said.

Police closed the two left southbound lanes on First Street following the incident.

ALERT: SB 1 St at 9 Ave SE, police incident blocking two left lanes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yyctraffic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yyctraffic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yycroads?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yycroads</a> <a href="https://t.co/sDgLuctAXE">pic.twitter.com/sDgLuctAXE</a> —@yyctransport