Man injured after Ottawa stabbing near Russian Embassy

Watch above: Why Ottawa Police say a Russian interpreter was on the scene of a stabbing investigation near the Russian Embassy.

TORONTO – One man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood Friday morning.

Ottawa Police responded to a call at 400 Stewart Street just after 8 a.m. The building is about two blocks from the Russian Embassy, in an area including student housing, embassies and ambassadors’ houses.

Police would not confirm reports that the injured man is a Russian diplomat, though Knowles acknowledged a Russian interpreter was on scene because of a “language issue.”

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said the government takes the safety of foreign personnel very seriously, but referred inquiries to the Ottawa Police Service.

“We’re deeply disturbed by the reports and our department has been in touch with the Russian Embassy,” Baird said at a press conference Friday evening. “Thus far we have nothing to indicate that this was anything to do with being politically motivated.”

Knowles said earlier he had not been in contact with the Russian Embassy, but acknowledged some officers may be speaking with embassy officials.

“There’s lots of information out there that I really can’t confirm, I can’t deny, I can’t really comment on any of it, other than to say it’s a ton of information that may be leading people in the wrong kind of mindset,” said Knowles.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "There's lots of information out there that I really can't confirm, I can't deny, I can't really comment on any of it, other than to say it's a ton of information that may be leading people in the wrong kind of mindset," said Knowles.

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) said military police were requested on scene by Ottawa officials, but wouldn’t confirm reports that the man taken into custody was a member of the military.

“It was quickly determined that the Ottawa Police Service is the force of jurisdiction in this matter,” said CAF spokesperson Alexandre Munoz in an email to Global News.

One man remains in custody, but no charges had been laid as of Friday afternoon.

Knowles said there were “a couple” scenes in the building under forensic investigation.

RCMP said they would not open a probe.

This map shows the distance from the scene to the Russian Embassy in Ottawa: