Detectives investigating a Carlisle murder say they are hunting two primary attackers who they believe had previous issues with the victim.
Police investigating the death of Ryan Kirkpatrick on Saturday night are calling for anyone who has yet to come forward with information to get in touch – as officers continue to work round-the-clock on the inquiry.
A Major Incident Room has been set up and a team of at least 60 dedicated officers are working on the case, which is the number one priority in north Cumbria.
Other specialist teams are being drafted in according to need.
A number of arrests have been made but officers are still looking for other individuals suspected of being involved in the incident.
Officers were called to Carlyle’s Court in Carlisle city centre at 8.48pm on Saturday following a report that a man had been stabbed.
Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical staff, Ryan Kirkpatrick, 24, of Carlisle, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden said: “This case is our number one priority and our officers are working 24/7 on a number of lines of enquiry as we aim to get justice for the family of Mr Kirkpatrick.
“This was a targeted attack against a man who had previous issues with the assailants.
“We believe there were two primary attackers who had their faces hidden.”
Det Chief Supt Holden thanked those members of the public who have helped the inquiry so far.
He added: “We still need people to come forward if they know anything about this incident or have seen any part of the attack or have information that could help.
“At the time, there must have been dozens of people in this area. It was a Saturday night and people will have been out-and-about and may have seen something.
“Anybody who does come forward will have our support.
“There will also have been people driving about that night – so if they have been driving about in the city centre they may have dashcam footage that could be relevant. We would ask them to come forward.
“We will continue to respond robustly to all information we receive and if we believe there is the possibility someone has been involved they can expect a visit from our officers.”
Anyone with information can submit this here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0301020118N53-PO1
You can also call 101.
Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, completely anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Police have identified the man who was killed. Read his family’s tributes here.
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