Tense moments at the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters came to a safe resolution on Wednesday after a man covered himself in flammable liquid and tried to set himself on fire.

The incident closed the headquarters to the public for the day. The WPS says it took place just after 11:30 in the morning.

Police say in a release the man "doused himself in a substantial amount of a flammable liquid" before attempting to set himself on fire.

"The area was quickly evacuated of civilians," police say. Duty officers working at the front desk quickly sprang into action and were able to prevent the man from igniting the liquid.

The man was safely taken into custody and then transported to hospital.

There is no word at this time on his current condition or if any charges will be laid.