Manitoba RCMP have issued a dangerous person alert for Pimicikamak Cree Nation and surrounding areas following an early-morning abduction.

According to RCMP, officers from the Cross Lake detachment responded to a report of an aggravated assault at a residence in the community at approximately 5:40 a.m.

Police say their investigation determined that 39-year-old Joshua Paupanekis entered a home on Pimicikamak Cree Nation and struck a 24-year-old resident with a hammer. RCMP say the suspect was also armed with a knife.

Following the assault, police say Paupanekis abducted a 20-year-old woman, identified as Raeanne Thomas, from the residence. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot with the victim.

RCMP say there is a large-scale search underway involving multiple police units, including Police Dog Services, in the community which is approximately 500 km north of Winnipeg.

Investigators believe Thomas is in immediate danger.

The dangerous person alert was issued through the Alert Ready system as police continue efforts to locate both the suspect and the victim.

Members of the public are urged not to approach Paupanekis, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Joshua Paupanekis or Raeanne Thomas is asked to contact the Cross Lake RCMP detachment at 204-676-2600.