John Hunt family latest: Kyle Clifford arrested on suspicion of murder of BBC commentator’s wife and daughters

A man has now been arrested in connection with a triple murder on Tuesday evening (9 July).

A 26-year-old man from Enfield was arrested on Thursday evening (11 July) on suspicion of three counts of murder.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.

“The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”

Police had been waiting to question Hertfordshire suspect Kyle Clifford, who was in hospital with serious injuries after a manhunt located him in a cemetery in Enfield.

Louise Hunt, aged 25, her sister Hannah, 28, and their mother Carol, 61 – the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt – were found with fatal wounds at their home in Bushey on Tuesay evening.

Hannah’s boyfriend has paid tribute to “the love of my life” who was “stolen from me too soon”, as devastated friends and neighbours described the Hunts as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family”.

Contact The Independent newsroom at Amy-Clare.Martin@independent.co.uk

Key Points

• Breaking: Police arrest suspect Kyle Clifford on suspicion of triple murder

• Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend pays tribute to ‘love of my life'

• This is the stuff of nightmares, says mother’s childhood friend

• Colleagues send love and condolences to BBC commentator

This is the stuff of nightmares, says mother’s childhood friend

15:13 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of the three women killed, has described her as a “beautiful person”.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

“I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.

“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”

She said she felt for John Hunt and the elder daughter of the family.

“They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls,” she said.

“They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It’s the thing of nightmares.

“I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.”

Friend of Louise Hunt say she was ‘always a positive person'

13:27 , Andy Gregory

A friend of Louise – who ran a dog grooming business – said she was “always a positive person” and that he could not think of “anything bad to say about her”.

In an interview with BBC News, he said: “I knew Louise back from school days and she was really sweet, very kind, always a positive person. I can’t think of anything bad to say about her – a really lovely person all round, a super hard-working person.”

Luisa, another of Louise’s friends, used her dog grooming business and said she would often send her pictures of her dog asleep during grooming, telling Sky News: “That’s how much of a wonderful, relaxing person Louise was”.

Pictured: Mourners attend vigil after triple murder in Bushey

12:40 , Andy Gregory

Mourners attended a vigil and morning service at St James’s Church in Bushey on Thursday.

Breaking: 26-year-old suspect arrested, police say

11:57 , Andy Gregory

Kyle Clifford has now been arrested in connection with the triple murder in Bushey.

In a statement, Hertsfordshire Police said: “A 26-year-old man from Enfield was arrested on Thursday evening on suspicion of three counts of murder.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.

“The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”

School pays tribute to Hannah and Louise

11:41 , Andy Gregory

Loreto College in St Albans has paid tribute to its two former pupils.

A statement said: “Today we are mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah [and] Louise, along with their mother, Carol.

“We extend our thoughts [and] prayers to the family during this most difficult time. As a Loreto Community, they will always hold a place in our heart. May they rest in peace.”

Full report: Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend pays tribute to ‘love of my life’

11:07 , Andy Gregory

The boyfriend of Hannah Hunt has paid tribute to “the love of my life” who was “stolen from me too soon”.

Read the full report here:

Bushey triple murder victim Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend pays tribute to ‘love of my life’

Latest statement from Hertsfordshire Police

10:48 , Andy Gregory

Here is the latest statement from Hertsfordshire Police, issued on Thursday afternoon:

The suspect of a triple murder in Bushey continues to receive medical treatment in a London hospital. Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon (10 July) following a police manhunt.

At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers. A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.

Enquiries continue today and as part of this, we have explored if there was any prior police contact between Hertfordshire Constabulary, Kyle Clifford and the victims. We can confirm there had been no previous reports made to police.

Watch: Father David Stevenson delivers sermon at Bushey vigil

10:33 , Andy Gregory

Who is Kyle Clifford? The former soldier captured by police

09:46 , Andy Gregory

The man captured by police after a mother and two daughters were killed in a crossbow attack was a former soldier with a brother serving life in prison for murder, it has emerged.

Kyle Clifford, 26, served briefly in the armed forces having, it is understood, been a member of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards before dropping out in 2022. After the army he briefly worked at a fire and security installation company, but left in July last year.

Born in Enfield in 1998, Clifford is understood to be the third of four children. His eldest brother Bradley Clifford was jailed for life in 2018 after mowing down a moped and beating a teenager to death in a rage after his “prized” red Ford Mustang was damaged.

Our crime correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:

Kyle Clifford: The former soldier captured by police after fatal crossbow attack

Jockeys wear black armbands in tribute to John Hunt’s family

09:29 , Andy Gregory

Jockeys at the Newmarket Racecourse wore black armbands on Thursday in tribute to the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.

A minute’s silence was also held for the crowd at Ladies’ Day to pay their respects, while fellow commentator Richard Hoiles paid tribute at the start of his coverage.

“It’s impossible to rationalise such a heinous, pointless and terrible act in modern-day society,” he is reported to have said. “I’ve known John for 30 years. If you spend even a few moments in his company, the odds are that the talk will turn to family.

“It has been a folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20-odd years ago, we’d all retired to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school.

“Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family are held.”

Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend pays tribute to ‘love of my life'

08:51 , Andy Gregory

The boyfriend of Hannah Hunt has paid tribute to “the love of my life” after she was “stolen from me too soon”.

Alex Klein posted a picture of the pair on Instagram with the caption: “RIP the love of my life, I will never forget you, stolen from me too soon.

“The brightest light in my life. My brave queen for life. Until we meet again ... I love you Hansy.”

As reported by The Telegraph and other outlets, he also posted a picture of the couple kissing in a swimming pool, and another attending an investor event, carrying the words “forever with me”.

‘It doesn’t seem real’

07:19 , Alex Ross

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, friends of the family shared their shock.

Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.

After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters: “We were a four, and now there’s only three.

“It doesn’t seem real. We are together in grief.”

No physical contact with suspect by police - IOPC

06:05 , Alex Ross

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it received a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police after suspect Kyle Clifford was found by officers with serious injuries in Enfield, but was satisfied no investigation was needed.

A spokesperson said: “Based on the evidence provided, there does not appear to have been any physical contact with Mr Clifford at the time he was seriously injured. Therefore, we were satisfied the matter does not require investigation and it has been returned to the force to deal with.”

Floral tributes

05:05 , Alex Ross

Messages were left on floral tributes in the road in Bushey where Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in a suspected crossbow attack at their home.

How easy is it to buy a crossbow?

03:05 , Jane Dalton

Deadly crossbows can be easily bought online for as little as £50, writes Jabed Ahmed:

How easy is it to buy a crossbow online - and is it legal?

Minute’s silence at Newmarket

02:05 , Jane Dalton

Newmarket fell silent for a minute before the opening day of the July Festival as racing showed its support for commentator John Hunt.

His media colleagues and friends joined members of the weighing room in the paddock to pay their respects.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “I’d just like to say also that all of our thoughts are with John Hunt, it was a very sad day yesterday.

“All of our thoughts, in racing and of Godolphin, are with John at this time.”

Jockeys at the fixture sported black armbands, and jockey Oisin Murphy added: “We had a minute’s silence before the first race. To John Hunt and all his family and friends, I am really very sorry for what happened and we’re all thinking about you.”

Carol Hunt was sweetest person you could meet, says friend

01:15 , Jane Dalton

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a “beautiful person”.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

“I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.

“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”

Kyle Clifford 'served briefly in Queen’s Dragoon Guards’

Friday 12 July 2024 00:15 , Jane Dalton

Suspect Kyle Clifford served briefly in the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

According to the Mail Online, he served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards for a short time before dropping out.

The British Army website states that the regiment has specialised in reconnaissance since its formation in 1685.

Watch: Police search house linked to suspect’s brother

Thursday 11 July 2024 23:15 , Jane Dalton

Hannah was fantastic therapist, say colleagues

Thursday 11 July 2024 22:22 , Jane Dalton

Colleagues of Hannah Hunt at the Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett, Hertfordshire, said it was with “deep regret and sadness” that they learnt of the “horrific” murder of their skin therapist Hannah.

The Facebook post added: “She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her.

“We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.

“She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.”

Grief washes over quiet, leafy Bushey

Thursday 11 July 2024 21:30 , Jane Dalton

Grief washes over quiet, leafy town as three women murdered in ‘tremendous tragedy’

Louise Hunt’s final social media repost praised ‘women who leave’

Thursday 11 July 2024 20:45 , Jane Dalton

The final tweet shared on Louise Hunt’s X account praised “women who leave”.

Crossbows ban will not stop men intent on harming women, campaigners warn

Thursday 11 July 2024 20:15 , Jane Dalton

A misogynistic culture at the root of violence against women and girls must be addressed, a domestic abuse charity has said, in the wake of the crossbow killings of a mother and two of her daughters.

Refuge said while it welcomed the government’s urgent consideration of whether tougher crossbow laws were needed, the danger from such crimes stemmed from the perpetrator rather than the tools they used.

The End Violence Against Women Coalition echoed this, warning that “quick-fix” measures such as banning a weapon would not stop men intent on harming women.

Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford is understood to have been the ex-partner of Louise Hunt.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed that the most common suspect for female homicide victims aged 16 and above was their partner or ex-partner. The statistics, using the term homicide to cover manslaughter as well as murder, showed that in the year ending March 2023 in England and Wales, almost half (45%) of all adult female homicide victims were killed in a domestic incident.

Earlier this year The Independent revealed at least 350 women had been killed by a man since the murder of Sarah Everard – the equivalent of one woman dying every three days.

At least 350 women killed by men since murder of Sarah Everard

Colleagues send love and condolences to BBC commentator

Thursday 11 July 2024 19:35 , Jane Dalton

Colleagues of John Hunt say they are heartbroken for the BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator after the crossbow murders.

Journalist Mike Williams interrupted his sports update on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, to speak about Mr Hunt’s loss.

He said: “Can I just echo your words from (Zoe) earlier in the show by sending all love, condolences and support to our much-loved BBC Sport colleague John Hunt after the unspeakable tragedy concerning his family that was in the news yesterday.

“John is a wonderful man and we of course send him all our love.”

Ball said earlier: “I must say, everyone at the BBC (is) heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt. Mark Chapman, his friend, paid (an) emotional tribute yesterday on BBC (Radio) 5 Live – we are holding you in our heart, John.”

Police on guard at cemetery

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:55 , Jane Dalton

Police officers on Thursday were again stationed outside Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London, where triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, was found with injuries.

How easy is it to buy a crossbow online?

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:25 , Jane Dalton

Deadly crossbows can be easily bought online for as little as £50, writes Jabed Ahmed:

How easy is it to buy a crossbow online? Laws urgently being reviewed

Detectives say they are determined to understand what led to murders

Thursday 11 July 2024 18:01 , Jane Dalton

Police say they are determined to understand what led to the murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at their Bushey home.

Officers have confirmed they had had no previous contact with Kyle Clifford or the three murder victims.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family and loved ones at this devastating and indescribable time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“This was an unprecedented attack and we are determined to understand the full circumstances of what happened that evening and the events leading up to it.

“This investigation, as I’m sure people can imagine, will take time.

“I’d like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the members of public who contacted us yesterday and helped with our inquiries.”

Watch: Rector’s church sermon

Thursday 11 July 2024 17:31 , Jane Dalton

Crossbow murders awful, says Starmer

Thursday 11 July 2024 17:00 , Jane Dalton

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded the murders “awful”.

“First let me just say how awful this is in relation to crossbows,” he said.

“The Home Secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation. There was no getting away from just how awful this is.”

Police seize computer hard drives

Thursday 11 July 2024 16:43 , Jane Dalton

Search officers have retrieved what appeared to be two computer hard drives and two document bags from the house in Enfield believed to be linked to Kyle Clifford’s brother.

Two officers had to carry one of the hard drives, while another three members of staff bundled the other evidence into a van.

Police have been searching the house in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, since Wednesday.

‘Wonderful’ that tragedy has brought community together, says rector

Thursday 11 July 2024 16:15 , Jane Dalton

The Rector of Bushey, who hosted a church vigil for the three victims, said their deaths had brought the community together as “one big family”.

Father David Stevenson said: “Today is very much about supporting the community.

“This might sound strange but [this tragedy] has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing.

“We realise that we are just one big family,” he told PA.

Suspect too ill to be questioned

Thursday 11 July 2024 15:48 , Jane Dalton

Police have not yet been able to question suspect Kyle Clifford because he is too ill, they say.

“The suspect of a triple murder in Bushey continues to receive medical treatment in a London hospital,” Hertfordshire police said.

“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon (10 July) following a police manhunt.

“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.”

Online fundraisers launched

Thursday 11 July 2024 15:42 , Jane Dalton

Two fundraising efforts have been launched for John Hunt, who lost his wife and two of his three daughters in the Bushey murders.

A JustGiving drive had raised £1,823 by mid-afternoon on Thursday, while a GoFundMe effort had raised £155.

Police find crossbow

Thursday 11 July 2024 15:29 , Jane Dalton

Police investigating the three murders say they have found a crossbow.

“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon following a police manhunt,” Herts police said.

“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.

“A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.”

This is the stuff of nightmares, says mother’s childhood friend

Thursday 11 July 2024 15:10 , Jane Dalton

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of the three women killed, has described her as a “beautiful person”.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

“I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.

“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”

She said she felt for John Hunt and the elder daughter of the family.

“They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls,” she said.

“They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It’s the thing of nightmares.

“I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.”

‘I wish I could continue doing life with you'

Thursday 11 July 2024 14:55 , Jane Dalton

More flowers and tributes have been laid at the police cordon near the home of the murdered women in Bushey.

One message reads: “RIP three beautiful ladies. John, thinking of you and your family at this very sad and unfortunate time.”

An image of a dog had been placed on a card, alongside a note that says “RIP Louise. Reggie says thank you for making him look so handsome. RIP Carol and Hannah.”

Another says: “Louise, Hannah and Carol. The strongest women to ever exist. You’ll always be remembered. I wish I could continue doing life with you Louise my beautiful girlie. I’ll miss you forever.”

Police search house linked to Clifford’s jailed brother

Thursday 11 July 2024 14:40 , Jane Dalton

Police have been again searching a house linked to Kyle Clifford’s brother, Bradley Clifford, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of a moped passenger in 2018.

According to the Metropolitan Police, at the time of the murder, Bradley Clifford had targeted the moped before crashing into it, and continued to assault the passenger, Soban Khan, after the collision.

Officers were seen at the address in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, north London, in relation to the deaths of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt.

Police staff wearing gloves and face masks were seen outside the property, which was first searched on Wednesday.

In pictures: Church vigil

Thursday 11 July 2024 14:21 , Jane Dalton

A service and vigil were held at St James’s Church in Bushey, following the deaths of Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25.

Academy mourns ex-pupils

Thursday 11 July 2024 13:56 , Jane Dalton

Leaders at the school attended by the two young women killed have paid tribute to their former pupils and their mother, saying they will always have “a place in their heart”.

Hannah and Louise Hunt attended Loreto College, Roman Catholic comprehensive academy in St Albans, Herts.

The college wrote on social media: “Today we are mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah & Louise, along with their mother, Carol. We extend our thoughts & prayers to the family during this most difficult time.

“As a Loreto Community, they will always hold a place in our heart. May they rest in peace.”

Tributes to ‘loveliest, gentlest’ wife and daughters of BBC star after crossbow killings

Thursday 11 July 2024 13:15 , Joe Middleton

Emotional tributes have been paid to a mother and her two daughters killed in a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire, with friends, neighbours and colleagues describing them as the “loveliest, gentlest” family.

Shocked residents left flowers at the scene in Ashlyn Close as they spoke of their horror, paying tribute to the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt as “the most gentle, beautiful family”, who is understood to have a third daughter.

Carol Hunt, 61, along with Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, was discovered with fatal wounds at their home in Bushey on Tuesday, with 26-year-old suspect Kyle Clifford tracked down by police in Enfield the following evening after an extensive manhunt.

Andy Gregory reports.

Tributes pour in to wife and daughters of BBC star John Hunt after crossbow killings

Security minister Dan Jarvis discusses crossbow laws after triple murder in Bushey

Thursday 11 July 2024 13:02 , Andy Gregory

Friend of Carol Hunt says she was ‘sweetest person you could ever meet'

Thursday 11 July 2024 12:47 , Andy Gregory

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a “beautiful person”.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

“I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.

“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”

Kyle Clifford worked at fire and security installation company until July 2023

Thursday 11 July 2024 12:29 , Andy Gregory

Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford’s former employer has said they have had no further communication with him since he left the company in July last year.

Fire and security installation company Amthal, based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, said in a statement: “Kyle Clifford was employed from February 22, 2023 to July 20, 2023.

Since he departed from Amthal in July 2023, we have had no further communication with Mr Clifford.”

Mark Chapman opens BBC Radio 5 Live coverage of England’s semi-final with tearful message to John Hunt

Thursday 11 July 2024 12:15 , Andy Gregory

BBC Radio 5 Live's Mark Chapman opened his coverage of England's semi-final by paying a tearful tribute to his colleague John Hunt.

Bushey community ‘one big family’, says rector

Thursday 11 July 2024 11:26 , Andy Gregory

The Rector of Bushey, who was hosting a vigil at St James’ Church this morning, said the deaths of three women has brought the community together as “one big family”.

Father David Stevenson said: “Today is very much about supporting the community.

“This might sound strange but [this tragedy] has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing. We realise that we are just one big family.”

Further police searches at address in Enfield

Thursday 11 July 2024 11:00 , Andy Gregory

Further searches have taken place at a house in Rendlesham Road in Enfield this morning.

Police staff wearing gloves and face masks were seen outside the property, which was first searched on Wednesday.

Hannah Hunt’s colleagues say she was loved by customers

Thursday 11 July 2024 10:36 , Andy Gregory

Hannah Hunt’s colleagues have paid tribute to her as a “fantastic” therapist whose clients loved her.

In a post on Facebook, staff at the Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett said: “It is with deep regret and sadness of the horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah.

“She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her. We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.

“She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.”

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter chokes up as he sends ‘love and thoughts’ to John Hunt

Thursday 11 July 2024 10:22 , Andy Gregory

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman choked up as he sent his “love and thoughts” to his fellow commentator and friend John Hunt at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show.

“This has been a heartbreaking day,” he told listerners. “John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries.

“On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”

Neighbours and friends describe Hunt family as ‘beautiful souls'

Thursday 11 July 2024 09:58 , Andy Gregory

Neighbours and friends of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt have described them as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family”, as well-wishers laid flowers by the police cordon in Ashlyn Close.

A friend of Louise Hunt, who knew her from their time at school, said she was “always a positive person” and that he could not think of “anything bad to say about her”.

In an interview with BBC News, he said: “I knew Louise back from school days and she was really sweet, very kind, always a positive person. I can’t think of anything bad to say about her – a really lovely person all round, a super hard-working person.”

Neighbour Su Kehinde, 60, who laid flowers at a makeshift tribute in the area on Wednesday, said: “They were the loveliest, gentlest family. They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”

Her daughter April, aged 32, said that Hannah “always had a smile” and was “hard-working, a hard grafter and really gentle”.

Glyn Nicholas, 77, who has lived on the same road as the victims for 50 years, said: “They were a private family, all very nice, a private family. They all did their own things. Louise started a business a couple of years ago, and it was a thriving business – we all took our dogs there to be groomed.”

Police officers still on patrol outside cemetery where suspect found

Thursday 11 July 2024 09:47 , Andy Gregory

Police officers were still in position outside Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield this morning.

Officers stood outside the gates in Cedar Road and a cordon was in place along Cook’s Hole Road.

Members of the public were not able to enter the cemetery.

Clifford ‘had chip on his shoulder’, former army boss claims

Thursday 11 July 2024 09:35 , Andy Gregory

Kyle Clifford left the British Army in 2022 following a brief period of service, The Independent understands.

A former army boss told The Sun that he was “immature for his age and had a bit of a chip on his shoulder”, adding that he worked in private security after leaving the force.

Suspect’s brother is convicted killer Bradley Clifford

Thursday 11 July 2024 09:32 , Andy Gregory

Suspect Kyle Clifford’s older brother is serving a 23-year prison sentence for murder, after he ran over and killed a moped driver who threw a bottle at his Ford Mustang car.

Bradley Clifford was jailed in 2018 after a court heard that he “relentlessly” pursued Soban Khan and Jahshua Francis following a confrontation at a bar in Enfield, before leaping out of his car and beating Khan as he lay dying in the road.

Driver chased moped rider after wing mirror broken, ran him down, then beat him as he lay dying

Victims ‘had ligature marks around wrists and face'

Thursday 11 July 2024 09:13 , Andy Gregory

The three women had ligature marks around their wrists and face but were not gagged and bound when they were discovered by police at their home in Bushey, The Guardian reported.

The newspaper reported that one of the victims managed to call 999 to alert the police before their killer fled, with a source alleging that the women may have been held hostage for hours prior to the call.