Detectives in Cumbria have more than 20 officers on the ground hunting for the suspects responsible for the death of a Carlisle man.
Police believe two suspects carried out the attack on Ryan Kirkpatrick on Saturday night, with a number of offenders playing supporting roles such as assisting an offender and feeding false information to officers.
Officers are continuing to search for offenders who they believe were involved in both the violence and the supporting roles.
“We have 20 to 25 dedicated officers (involved in the search),” said Detective Chief Superintendent, Dean Holden.
“We have quite a lot. We then have a number of support staff doing research, social media research, conducting interviews, it’s not just boots on the street.
Det Chief Sup Holden said a “big part of the inquiry is into the people who have supported the assailants.”
He said that the force had strong lines of inquiry but that a major breakthrough was not likely to be imminent.
“We have really good lines of inquiry and evidence and we are maintaining a strong search for the assailants,” said Det Chief Sup Holden.
“We have had a lot of support from the public but I am confident there are people who have seen this who are yet to come forward.
“The family too have been really supportive and have acted with the utmost dignity.”
Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit
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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