‘UNPRECEDENTED ATTACK’
Update in crossbow ‘triple murder’ as Kyle Clifford is in ‘serious condition’ and has NOT spoken to police
Police revealed whether any previous reports had been made to about Kyle Clifford and his victims
TRIPLE murder suspect Kyle Clifford is in a "serious condition" and has not yet spoken to police.
Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found dead at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on Tuesday night.
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The three women were the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, the broadcaster confirmed.
Cops launched a major manhunt for triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who was said to be carrying a large crossbow.
He remains in a "serious condition" in hospital after he was snared by cops in an Enfield cemetery, and is yet to be questioned.
Hertfordshire Police said no previous reports had been made to cops regarding Kyle Clifford or the victims.
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The force added a crossbow has been recovered as part of the triple murder probe.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall 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.
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"We are wholly committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family.
"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 enquiries.
"We are still appealing for anyone with information in relation to the incident on Tuesday evening in Bushey and activity in Enfield yesterday that could assist us to please contact police directly.
Moment cops rush to cemetery after 'crossbow killer murdered BBC star's family'
"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.
"Local officers will remain in the area today so please do speak to them if you need to."
Armed officers and a sniffer dog tracked Clifford to a cemetery yards from his Enfield home yesterday afternoon.
Footage appears to show Clifford being stretchered out of the cemetery by emergency services as the manhunt came to an end.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed that Clifford is believed to have been known to the victims.
During his trip to the Nato summit in Washington DC, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC: “First let me just say how awful this incident was, and our condolences and thoughts are obviously with all of the family members and family affected.
“In relation to crossbows, the Home Secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation, and she will.”
Colleagues and friends of the three victims have paid tribute to the “lovely family” since their deaths.
Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.
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.”
Manhunt timeline
Tuesday
7pm - Three women found seriously injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire before dying at the scene.
Evening - Manhunt launched for murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, from Enfield in north London.
Wednesday
Morning - Armed officers hunt Clifford with help from drones and sniffer dogs. They find his abandoned black Seat.
Afternoon - Victims identified as BBC racing commentator John Hunt's wife Carol, 61, and daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
2pm - Footage shows Clifford fleeing the scene with a 3ft crossbow after the alleged triple murder on Tuesday.
6pm - Cops trace Clifford to a cemetery in Enfield and apprehend him without firing any shots. He is taken to hospital with injuries.
6.30pm - Hertfordshire Police confirms murder suspect Clifford is believed to have been known to the three victims.
Today
Morning - Clifford is receiving medical treatment in hospital. Cops are still appealing for information but are not seeking anyone else.
Ms Holloway continued: “They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.
“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.”
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.”#
During the hunt for Clifford, who is understood to have left the Army in 2022 after a short stint, the force said they believed he may have been armed with a crossbow and warned people not to approach him.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is urgently considering whether tougher crossbow laws are needed in the wake of the killings.
She will look at the findings of a Home Office review carried out earlier this year.