Police investigate on Selkirk Avenue after a stabbing early Sunday morning. They've been in the area a number of times for reports of people being attacked for their beer. (Shaun McLeod/CBC)For the second time in a week, a Winnipeg resident has been stabbed and seriously injured as he was robbed of his beer.

A 43-year-old man was recovering in hospital on Sunday morning after being stabbed in the lower body just after midnight.

Winnipeg police said they were called to the 500 block of Selkirk Avenue near the Merchants Hotel for a report a person had been attacked.

Const. Jason Michalyshen said preliminary information indicated that three male suspects on bicycles approached the victim and confronted him.

They robbed him of his beer and assaulted him, police said.

The victim, who was not identified, was rushed to hospital in critical condition, but after receiving treatment has been upgraded to serious, but stable, condition, Michalyshen said.

The victim's belongings lay strewn in the street after he was attacked. (Shaun McLeod/CBC)Police said it's possible people buying beer in the area are being targeted by thugs, and that officers working in the district have recognized beer-related assaults are becoming increasingly common.

Michalyshen said there have been "a number" of similar incidents near the hotel in the last six months to a year. He couldn't immediately offer a specific number.

"It's a problem," Michalyshen said. "It continues to be a problem."

Police are asking anyone with information about the stabbing or the identity of the culprits to call police at 204-986-6219 or Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).

Victim in earlier stabbing still recovering

A similar incident played out one week ago near Winnipeg's Sherbrook Hotel beer vendor in the West Broadway neighbourhood.

A 31-year-old man was stabbed at about 1 a.m. CT. He also was walking with a case of beer that was stolen after he was assaulted, police said.

The victim continues to recover from his injuries, Michalyshen said.