Police say a child abduction ended tragically on Wednesday morning.

In the Robertson neighbourhood of Winnipeg before 9:28 a.m., a mother and her three-year-old daughter were travelling together in a vehicle and when they arrived at their destination, they were allegedly held at knifepoint by the estranged father. Police received a 911 call from the mother and a motorist after being flagged down by the suspect.

The man then abducted the child. WPS Constable Jay Murray says they believe within five minutes of the first call, the child was seriously hurt.

"There was an immediate response by officers, but unfortunately the outcome is a tragic one," Murray says.

A short time later, at 9:43 a.m., police found the father at King Edward Street and Jefferson Avenue by his parked vehicle. Inside the vehicle was the three-year-old, suffering from stab wounds.

"It is unbelievably horrific. Our officers attended, located the child inside the vehicle, and attempted to provide emergency first aid. Essentially they did everything they could, including CPR, to try to resuscitate this child, and I am sure you can imagine how incredibly tough that is."

The girl was taken to hospital by paramedics in critical condition where she then died of her injuries. The mother was not physically injured. Murray says they "feel for all of them."

"I want to extend my sympathy to the mother, the family members, her friends, and the community. I can't imagine the pain and the grief they are experiencing."

The 28-year-old father was taken into custody and is being charged with First Degree Murder. Investigators worked through the night and are continuing to work on this case.

"I was told a number of them went home, and the first thing they did was they woke up their children and immediately hugged them very tightly."

The service's mental health services were dispatched to the scene.