Hope Street actor Finnian Garbutt dies aged 28

The actor Finnian Garbutt, known for his role in BBC police drama Hope Street, has died "peacefully at home".

The Bangor born actor was in all five seasons of the BBC Northern Ireland police drama which is filmed in Donaghadee, County Down.

Finnian, who was diagnosed with skin cancer four years ago, had spoken publicly about his diagnosis and treatment.

In a statement posted on social media, his family said "we will always love and miss you Finn".

The actor married his partner Louise last year and has a one-year-old daughter.

"We're absolutely heartbroken to announce that Finnian passed away after a sudden decline in his condition," the statement continued.

"You were the greatest husband, father, son, brother and friend we could ask for."

The family thanked people for their support and kind words during this "really difficult time".

His Hope Street co-star, Cameron Cuffe, said he had "brought joy to so many".

Eddie Doyle, Head of Content Commissioning, BBC Northern Ireland, said Finnian was a "key part of Hope Street's appeal".

"He brought so much to his character PC Ryan Power over the last three series.

"Our thoughts are with his wife and daughter, family and friends and the cast and crew of Hope Street at this time."

In a statement Long Story TV described him as a "much-loved member of the Hope Street family".

"He was an absolute joy to work with and he brought a great sense of fun to set everyday and was popular with audiences as PC Ryan Power.

"We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, his daughter and his wider family and friends.

"He will be missed in Port Devine and by all his friends at Long Story TV."

In March the actor said he was entering the "last stages" of his life and that "scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body".

At that time, Finnian said that in "the last month or so I have been having quite a bit of pain in my back and hip".

"My cancer team admitted me the other day for observations and to do a few scans," he said.

"Unfortunately the scans have shown that the cancer has progressed rapidly in my body and I am now entering the last stages of my life.

"I'm putting this out there as it is really difficult to tell people individually and I hope now it's in the open then I can enjoy the time with my amazing family and friends."

In 2023, he told the BBC a mole discovered by his barber during a haircut after a lockdown restriction was found to be malignant melanoma.

Finnian graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in July 2019 and had previously played the role of Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

He has also appeared in the BBC television hospital series Casualty.

Finnian also featured as Raymond in the film Housejackers, which premiered at the Belfast Film Festival last year.