A COUNCILLOR has spoken out after a “shocking” alleged stabbing in Carlisle.

Police launched an investigation after a 28-year-old man was found injured near the London Road KFC just after 2am on Saturday morning.

Since the investigation started, officers have arrested three people, including two women suspected of assisting an offender.

A man was also arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after the attack.

Peter Sunter, a Labour councillor for the Cathedral and Castle ward, said he was shocked by the events.

He said he did not believe that they do not represent Carlisle as a city.

He said: “It’s not an everyday occurrence.

"The fact that it is still front page news, the fact that people are so horrified by it, it isn’t just a normal occurrence.

“It’s something which is horrific and is rightly seen by the residents in Carlisle as horrific and something which is not to be tolerated and not normal.

"This is not normal behaviour and that is something we need to get over to people.”

However, Mr Sunter felt that the incident reflected a wider issue that seems to be increasing all over the country.

He said: "Knife crime is a problem throughout the country and it’s one of those things which is on the rise in this city as well and it’s something that we need to do a great deal to try and get rid of.

“If somebody is carrying a knife in that way then it causes a problem because it is so easy to take it out and use it. This is what we are seeing amongst other things.”

Councillors from other parts of the city have also expresses their shock at the incident that took place on Saturday at the popular fast-food outlet.

Shortly after the incident, Councillor Deborah Earl said she was shocked and saddened to hear about the event.

Cumbria police arrested three people in connection to the incident.

A 32-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested on suspicion of assault GBH with intent.

Two women from the Carlisle area, aged 27 and 23, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A 28-year old man from Carlisle was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary to receive treatment, but was released the same day.

It has since been confirmed that the people arrested were released.

A police spokesperson said: “Those arrested have been released under investigation.

“A team of detectives is progressing inquiries.”

Anyone with information or who witnessed anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact the police on 101or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.