Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
Louise Thomas
Editor
Armed police have found the man suspected of the crossbow murders of the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.
Officers and paramedics had rushed to a cemetery in Enfield, north London, following a huge manhunt that lasted most of Wednesday for Kyle Clifford, 26.
He was found in the Enfield area and was treated for injuries, police said. Hertfordshire Police said their officers did not fire any shots.
Clifford, who left the British Army in 2022 following a brief period of service, was wanted over the deaths of Carol Hunt, 61, and the couple’s two daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25.
The three women were found with serious injuries after officers were called to a property in Bushey on Tuesday evening.
During the manhunt, the force said they believed Clifford may have been armed with a crossbow and warned the public not to approach him.
Home secretary Yvette Cooper said she was being kept fully updated about the “truly shocking” deaths.
A Home Office spokeswoman said Ms Cooper would consider the findings of a call for evidence on crossbows to see whether laws need to be tightened further.
Contact The Independent newsroom at Amy-Clare.Martin@independent.co.uk
Wanted man Kyle Clifford found
Police say they have found the suspect wanted over the killings of Carol Hunt and her daughters.
“A man wanted in connection with a triple murder in Bushey has been traced to a location in North London,” officers said.
“Following an extensive search, Kyle Clifford, aged 26, was found in the Enfield area by officers this afternoon.
“He is receiving medical treatment having been found with injuries. No shots were fired by police.”
Helicopters flew over area
A neighbour said he returned from holiday on Tuesday night to the overwhelming sound of helicopters hovering over his area.
Michael Murchan said when he arrived home from Spain he soon found out about the horror that had just unfolded in his neighbourhood.
He added that one of the victims was in the same friendship group as his nephew.
“It’s awful,” he said. “Such a shame.”
Woman who grew up with sisters remembers ‘super-nice and friendly’ family
A local resident who grew up with the Hunt family and played with Louise and Hannah when they were children described the family as “super-nice and friendly”.
The 22-year-old woman, who did not want to be identified, said John and Carol Hunt would often be seen walking their dogs together in the local area.
She said: “I feel so bad for the dad. I saw him just two weeks ago.”
The family friend added that Hannah worked as a beautician and Louise as a dog groomer.
Deaths overwhelming, say neighbours
A husband and wife who knew the victims paid tribute to the family as “nice and friendly” neighbours who would always wave and say “hello” as they walked their dogs past their house, writes Tara Cobham.
Simon and Tracey Bowler, who have children who are similar ages to the victims, spoke of how “emotional”, overwhelming” and “really sad” it was to hear of the three women’s deaths.
Drescribing the area as quiet and residential, Ms Bowler said she had lived in Bushey for more than a decade and knew John Hunt through the local gym.
In pictures: Flowers for family from friends and neighbours
Home secretary to consider law on crossbows
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was being kept fully updated about the inquiry into the “truly shocking” deaths.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We keep legislation under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to look at whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.
“The home secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further.”
BBC will offer John Hunt ‘all support possible'
The BBC said, in a note to 5 Live staff, that it would provide racing commentator John Hunt with “all the support we can” after the killings of his wife, Carol, and her two daughters, Hannah and Louise.
Police found Kyle Clifford, 26, in the Enfield area of north London late on Wednesday after a hunt lasting most of the day.
Officers said he was being treated for injuries.
Site of the murders and where suspect fond
Police had ‘overwhelming’ volume of calls from public
Police say they had an overwhelming number of calls from the public while they were hunting for murder suspect Kyle Clifford.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“This investigation is moving at pace and formal identification of the victims is yet to take place. The premature naming of potential victims has caused great upset to the family when they should’ve been given the space to come to terms with their sudden loss.
“Following extensive enquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time.
“We have had an overwhelming number of calls and would like to express our gratitude to the members of the public who have contacted us.
“We would still appeal for anyone with information or footage to please contact police directly and refrain from commenting on social media as this could affect the progress of the case.
“We have set up an information portal where people can submit any information, photos or video footage which they feel could assist us with our investigation.
“This incident will of course be of concern to local residents. Additional local officers will be in the area today so please do speak to them if you need to.”
Tougher crossbow laws considered
Home secretary Yvette Cooper is urgently considering whether tougher crossbow laws are needed in the wake of the murders, after a Home Office review was carried out earlier this year:
https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMibWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvY3JpbWUvYnVzaGV5LXRyaXBsZS1tdXJkZXIta3lsZS1jbGlmZm9yZC1qb2huLWh1bnQtZmFtaWx5LWIyNTc3MzU1Lmh0bWzSAQA?oc=5
2024-07-11 08:06:15Z
CBMibWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmluZGVwZW5kZW50LmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvY3JpbWUvYnVzaGV5LXRyaXBsZS1tdXJkZXIta3lsZS1jbGlmZm9yZC1qb2huLWh1bnQtZmFtaWx5LWIyNTc3MzU1Lmh0bWzSAQA
