Police probing murder of man, 53, who was knifed to death outside Asda release CCTV of teenage girl who they believe may hold key information on killers

• Ian Kirwan fatally knifed outside supermarket store in Redditch, Worcestershire
• He was pronounced dead at scene following attack on March 8 earlier this year
• Police have issued CCTV image of girl detectives believe ‘may have information’
• She is not believed to have been involved in the incident, police statement says 

Police probing the murder of a talented musician stabbed to death outside an Asda have released CCTV of a teenage girl they believe may hold key information on his killers.

Ian Kirwan, 53, was fatally knifed outside the supermarket store in Redditch, Worcestershire, following an incident at around 8pm on March 8 earlier this year.

The software engineer was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of an off-duty nurse and paramedics.

West Mercia Police has now released a CCTV image of a teenage girl detectives believe ‘may have information about the murder’. She is not believed to have been involved in the incident herself.

A spokesperson for the force said: ‘The women travelled by train from Selly Oak to Redditch around 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 8.

‘She is described as white with long blonde or brown hair. She was wearing a cream or stone coloured coat and black trousers and was carrying a cream fabric shopping bag.

‘Anyone that has any information that could help identify this woman is asked to please get in touch.’

West Mercia Police has issued this CCTV image of a teenage girl it believes may hold key information regarding the murder

Ian Kirwan, 53, was fatally knifed outside the supermarket store in Redditch, Worcestershire, on March 8

A police officer stands guard inside a cordon close to an Asda supermarket store in Redditch, Worcestershire, following the fatal attack

Five youths from south Birmingham, who cannot be named for legal reasons, have been charged with Mr Kirwan’s murder.

They appeared at Worcester Crown Court last month, where a provisional date for a six-week trial was set for November 7 later this year.

Following his death, Mr Kirwan’s heartbroken family described him as ‘gentle and caring’, having overcome a stroke. 

In a statement, they said: ‘We are completely devastated by the loss of Ian. He was the warmest, kindest man who loved his family and friends dearly. 

‘Anyone who knew him would have known him to be both intelligent and humble and there for anybody in need.

Ian had the warmest, silliest, daftest sense of humour that you couldn’t help loving and laughing at. He brought great comfort to those around him and gave the best bear hugs that made you feel safe, protected and loved.

With a fun and happy home life he was an absolute home bird who enjoyed nothing more than time with his wife, family and close friends.

‘No one ever imagines losing someone in this terrible way, so senseless and needlessly. 

‘A hole has been created in our lives that can never be filled but the love and support we have received is helping us begin to try to find a way to work through this awful tragedy.’

A police van parked inside the cordon in the cark park of the Asda store in the days following the stabbing

Part of Jinnah Road, Redditch, cordoned off by police following Mr Kirwan’s stabbing in March earlier this year

Aunt Maureen Haycocks, 77, added: ‘He would do anything for anybody. If someone was to break down at the side of the road, he would be the one to pull over.

‘He was like a son to me. We are all just devastated.’

She revealed how her nephew had gone to a B&Q to grab a couple of items before walking over to Asda, where the fatal attack took place.

Ms Haycocks continued: ‘Some wicked people have his life and for what? Bumping into them? He probably would have said “I’m sorry” and yet they’ve gone for him.

‘It sounds like they were on a mission. If it wasn’t Ian, it could have been someone else.

‘Why have kids got knives? It makes you afraid to go anywhere.’

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