How manhunt for crossbow triple murder suspect unfolded

Ruth Comerford - BBC News and Paul Gribben - BBC News
·4 min read
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This article contains details some readers may find distressing.

A triple murder suspect has been captured following the killing of a BBC racing commentator's wife and two daughters on Tuesday.

Kyle Clifford, 26, was found in the Enfield area by police officers on Wednesday afternoon following a full-scale manhunt in Hertfordshire and north London,

Police believe Tuesday evening's attack was targeted and carried out with a crossbow, as well as possibly with other weapons.

How did the attack unfold?

Three women were were found seriously injured just before 19:00 BST on Tuesday evening in an attack which police believe involved a crossbow.

All three victims died at the scene in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

A full-scale manhunt has taken place today to find suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is from Enfield, north London, and used to work as a security guard.

Armed police officers and specialist search teams responded "at pace", and were deployed to various locations in north London and the Bushey area of Hertfordshire.

On Wednesday afternoon, armed officers and ambulance staff were seen at a cemetery close to where a house was searched in Enfield.

The cemetery was closed off and an air ambulance was seen nearby.

Hertfordshire Police later said that Kyle Clifford had been apprehended "with no shots fired" by police. He is receiving medical treatment after being found with injuries.

Who were the victims?

They were: Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their three daughters - Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.

Carol Hunt with BBC commentator husband John
Carol Hunt, 61, one of the three women killed, with her BBC commentator husband John [BBC]

What do we know about the suspect?

Details are still emerging about the suspect but it is believed that Kyle Clifford left the British Army after a short period of service in 2022.

Police are treating the killings as a "targeted incident", and said they believe the suspect was known to the victims.

Hertfordshire Police said shortly after apprehending Mr Clifford that he was found with injuries and is receiving treatment.

Timeline of events

  • Police officers were called to Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just before 19:00 on Tuesday, after a neighbour reported hearing screaming

  • The three women were found seriously injured and died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics

  • Armed police searched a home in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, on Wednesday at around 08:00

  • Police confirmed the killings were "targeted" and warned the public not to approach Mr Clifford

  • "Extensive police resources", including helicopters and armed officers, were deployed on Wednesday to find the suspect

  • Hertfordshire Police issued a statement just before 18:30 on Wednesday announcing officers had found and apprehended Mr Clifford in Enfield

  • The force said he was receiving treatment after being found with injuries

Locator map of scene of killings in Bushey, Hertfordshire
[BBC]

What have the police said?

The police warned the public on Wednesday not to approach the suspect, who might have been in possession of a crossbow.

They also appealed to anyone who was near Ashlyn Close between lunchtime and early evening on Tuesday to get in touch.

One local councillor, Louise Nicholas, said there was support available for residents affected by what has happened.

Hertfordshire Police announced Mr Clifford had been found just before 18:30 on Wednesday, adding that no shots were fired.

Det Insp Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said this is an "incredibly difficult time for the victims' family".

"We would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened," she added.

She said the investigation "is moving at pace" and police have yet to formally identify the victims.

“Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time," she added.

What has the public reaction been?

John Hunt works for BBC Five Live as a racing commentator.

A spokesperson for the channel said: "The news today about John Hunt's family is utterly devastating.

"Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can."

Racing broadcasters have also been offering their condolences.

One of them, Matt Chapman, posted on X, saying it was "impossible to comprehend the pain".

"Just know we are all here for you, John. We love you pal - racing loves you," he said.

Commentator Mike Vince said on X that his "heart bleeds" for Mr Hunt, adding the incident was "simply shattering".

Sky Sports Racing said its team was "deeply saddened" by the "tragic deaths".

"Our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this awful time," it posted on X.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the deaths were “truly shocking”, adding she was being kept fully updated about the police investigation.