Man suspected of murdering three women in crossbow attack in UK located by police

Kyle Clifford (26) found in north London and is receiving medical treatment after deaths of wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator

People deliver floral tributes near to the scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, where three women were killed in a crossbow attack at their home. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
People deliver floral tributes near to the scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, where three women were killed in a crossbow attack at their home. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

A triple murder suspect has been found following the crossbow deaths of the wife and two daughters of a BBC racing commentator in Hertfordshire, east England.

Kyle Clifford (26), was found in the Enfield area of north London on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

They said he was receiving medical treatment having been found with injuries.

No shots were fired by police, the force said.

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Mr Clifford was wanted in connection with the deaths of Carol Hunt (61), wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, and their two daughters Hannah (28), and Louise (25), in the town of Bushey, Hertfordshire.

Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford was located on Wednesday evening. Photograph: PA
Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford was located on Wednesday evening. Photograph: PA

The police said they believe he was known to the victims.

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.

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

Footage obtained by Sky News appeared to show Mr Clifford being stretchered out of Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield.

Armed police officers and ambulance staff had earlier gathered in significant numbers at the cemetery, which is close to where a house was searched.

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

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “Ambulance crews and London’s air ambulance attended an incident in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, this afternoon. We treated a man at the scene and took him to a major trauma centre.”

A view of the scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, where the wife and two daughters of a BBC sports commentator were killed in a crossbow attack at their home. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
A view of the scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, where the wife and two daughters of a BBC sports commentator were killed in a crossbow attack at their home. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

In a press conference before Mr Clifford was located, chief superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire Police told reporters the murders are believed to be “targeted”.

During the search for the suspect, police said they believed he may have been armed with a crossbow and warned the public not to approach him.

As part of a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff on Wednesday, the broadcaster said it would provide Mr Hunt with “all the support we can”.

The note read: “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.”

Police said they were looking at whether the force had contact with the victims or Mr Clifford before the killings.

A message on a floral tribute near to the scene. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire
A message on a floral tribute near to the scene. Photograph: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

British home secretary Yvette Cooper said she is 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.”

Messages of condolence were posted on social media by figures from the racing world.

BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “There are no words.

“Like everyone else I feel numb and sick on John’s behalf at such incomprehensible evil.

“Everyone who knows John knows he is the absolute archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it’s impossible to know what he can be going through.

“But I know I’m speaking for the whole racing community and the whole wider sports media community as well, both of which he’s been part of for so long, when I say everyone is sending sympathy, love and support to him. It’s just awful.” – PA