Cops hunt two murder suspects and release pictures of men linked to brutal stabbing

TWO men are being hunted by cops after a man was brutally stabbed to death at a busy shopping centre in front of shocked onlookers.

Kane Hull, 28, and Liam Porter, 32, are wanted in connected with the murder of 24-year-old Ryan Kirkpatrick at Carlyle’s Court in Carlisle on Saturday night.

Hull connections to the Carlisle and Wigton areas, while Porter is from Carlisle, say police.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden said: “We urge anyone who sees these two men or knows of their whereabouts to contact us immediately on 999.

“The public should not approach either man but instead make an immediate call to police.

“I also urge Hull and Porter to hand themselves in for questioning as soon as possible.

He said a Major Incident Room has been set-up and a team of at least 60 dedicated officers are working on the case.

Other specialist teams being drafted in according to need.

“This inquiry remains our number one priority in north Cumbria and I can assure the public our officers are working tirelessly on behalf of the public and Mr Kirkpatrick’s grieving family," said Det Ch Holden.

Police are also urging anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam footage or any other details which could assist officers to make contact.

Det Ch Holden explained why images of people suspected to be linked to the incident have not been released so far, which has been raised by the local community.

“There are complex issues around evidence and the criminal justice system which mean this must be done at the right time and when we are confident it is in the best interests of the investigation," he said.

According to ONS there were 44,286 offences involving a knife or a sharp instrument in the past year.

Police have recorded 275 deaths involving a knife or sharp instrument, including 23 children aged 17 or younger.

It is estimated there has been a 29 per cent increase in knife crime in England and Wales since 2011.

More to follow...

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