Two suspects wanted after man, 24, is stabbed to death in shopping centre

Jimmy Nsubuga
·2 min read
Police want to speak to Kane Hull, 28, and Liam Porter, 32. (Cumbria Police)
Police want to speak to Kane Hull (L) and Liam Porter (Cumbria Police)

Police are hunting two suspects after a 24-year-old man was stabbed to death in a shopping centre.

Detectives investigating the death of Ryan Kirkpatrick at Carlyle’s Court, in Carlisle, on 18 September want to speak to Kane Hull, 28, and Liam Porter, 32.

Mr Kirkpatrick was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services were called at 8.48pm.

Police said he was killed in front of "countless" revellers and onlookers.

Detectives released images of Hull and Potter on Friday and warned people not to approach them and to contact police immediately if they spotted them.

Hull has connections to the Carlisle and Wigton areas, and Porter is from Carlisle.

Ryan Kirkpatrick, 24, was stabbed to death. (SWNS)
Ryan Kirkpatrick, 24, was stabbed to death. (SWNS)

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.”

Det Ch Supt Holden said images of the men had only been released now because they felt it was the "right time".

He added: “There have been questions from the community on why images of people suspected to be linked to the incident have not been released so far.

“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."

Mr Kirkpatrick's family paid tribute to him in a statement, saying: "We want to pay a tribute to our beautiful, kind and caring Ryan, who will always be the light of our family.

“Funny, strong, loving and charming, your cheeky smile will be imprinted in our hearts forever.

“Cherished memories remembered until we can hold you again.

"A loving son, brother, grandson, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Owner of his much-loved sausage dog Frank."

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

Detectives have urged anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam footage or any other details which could assist officers to make contact.