Police swarmed Winnipeg's Spence neighbourhood Thursday evening with their tactical team and armoured vehicle after a youth was shot.

Officers were called around 9 p.m. and blocked off Ellice Avenue, between Sherbrook Street and Langside Street, after finding the male victim with a gunshot wound to his lower body.

He was rushed to hospital in critical condition, which has since been upgraded to non-life-threatening condition.

The shooting happened after an armed male confronted a group of people and stole personal items, police said. The shooter ran from the area before police arrived.

Some people in neighbouring buildings were asked to leave as police searched for a suspect.

The street was reopened overnight and people were allowed to return, but no one has been arrested.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

Multiple police cruisers could be seen on Ellice Avenue between Sherbrook Street and Langside Street on Thursday evening. (Travis Golby/CBC)