According to Ruth Comerford, Paul Gribben, BBC News
This article contains details that readers can enjoy.
A massive manhunt for a potentially armed triple murder suspect is under way after the BBC racing commentator’s wife and two daughters were killed.
Emergency services, including armed police, are involved in the search for the suspect in Hertfordshire and north London.
Police believe Tuesday’s attack was targeted and carried out with arrows, as well as other weapons.
How was the attack?
Three women were killed at around 19:00 on Tuesday in an attack that police believe was a crossbow attack. Officers think another weapon may have been used.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
A full-scale manhunt is under way to find suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is from Enfield, north London, and works as a security guard.
Armed police officers and specialist search teams have “responded quickly”, being sent to various locations in north London and the Bushey area of ​​Hertfordshire.
On Wednesday evening, armed officers and ambulance staff were seen at a cemetery near a house being searched in the Enfield area of ​​north London.
The cemetery was closed and an air ambulance was seen nearby.
Who is the victim?
They are: Carol Hunt, 61, wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their three daughters – Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
What do we know about the suspect?
Details are still emerging about the suspect but it is believed that Kyle Clifford is leaving the British Army after some time of service in 2022.
Police are treating the killing as a “targeted incident”.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police appealed directly to the suspect, saying: “Kyle, if you see or hear this, call the police.”
Event timeline
- Police officers were called to Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just before 7pm on Tuesday, after a neighbor reported hearing screams.
- The three women were found seriously injured and pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics
- Armed police searched a house in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, on Wednesday at around 08:00
- Police insisted the killing was “targeted” and warned the public not to approach Mr Clifford
- “Extensive police resources”, including helicopters and armed officers, have been deployed to locate the suspect
What if the suspect is spotted?
Police have warned the public not to approach Mr Clifford, who still has the arrow – anyone who sees him is urged to call 999 immediately.
They are also appealing for anyone who was close to Ashlyn Close between lunchtime and Tuesday evening to get in touch.
One local councillor, Louise Nicholas, said there was support for residents affected by the incident.
What was the community’s reaction?
John Hunt works for BBC Five Live as a racing commentator.
A spokeswoman for the channel said: “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is devastating.”
“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this very difficult time and we will offer all the support we can.”
Race broadcasters have also offered their condolences.
One of them, Matt Chapman, posted on X, saying it was “impossible to understand the pain”.
“Just know we’re all here for you, John. We love you pal – racing loves you,” he said.
Commentator Mike Vince has said in X that “the heart bleeds” for Mr. Hunt, adding that this incident is “simply shattering”.
Sky Sports Racing said the team was “deeply saddened” by the “tragic death”.
“Our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this terrible time,” the post on X said.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the death was “truly horrific”, adding that she was being fully updated on the police investigation.