A triple murder suspect has been captured following the killings of a BBC racing commentator’s wife and two daughters on Tuesday.
Kyle Clifford, 26, was apprehended by police in the Enfield area on Wednesday afternoon after an extensive manhunt that spanned Hertfordshire and north London.
Incident Overview
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening and involved a crossbow along with other potential weapons. The victims, found seriously injured just before 19:00 BST in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, were pronounced dead at the scene. The police believe the attack was targeted.
The Manhunt
Following the attack, a large-scale manhunt was launched to locate Kyle Clifford, who hails from Enfield, north London, and has a background in security. Armed police officers and specialist search teams were rapidly deployed to various locations in north London and Bushey.
By Wednesday afternoon, the search had led officers to a cemetery near a house in Enfield. The area was cordoned off, and an air ambulance was on standby. Hertfordshire Police later confirmed that Clifford had been apprehended without any shots fired and was receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained.
Victims
The victims were identified as Carol Hunt, 61, wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
Suspect Background
Kyle Clifford is a former British Army serviceman who left after a brief period in 2022. Police consider the killings a targeted incident and believe Clifford was known to the victims. He was found with injuries upon his capture and is currently receiving medical care.
Police Statements and Timeline
Authorities warned the public not to approach Clifford on Wednesday, as he was believed to be armed with a crossbow. They also appealed for information from anyone in the Ashlyn Close area between lunchtime and early evening on Tuesday.
Hertfordshire Police announced Clifford’s capture just before 18:30 on Wednesday, emphasizing no shots were fired during the arrest. Det Insp Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit described the situation as “incredibly difficult” for the victims’ family, requesting privacy for them.
Jenkins stated that the investigation is progressing swiftly, and no other suspects are being sought at this time.
Public Reaction
John Hunt, the BBC Five Live racing commentator, received an outpouring of support from colleagues and the public. The BBC expressed its devastation, offering support to Hunt and his family. Racing broadcasters and personalities, including Matt Chapman and Mike Vince, shared their condolences and solidarity on social media.
Sky Sports Racing also extended its sympathies, describing the deaths as tragic. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper labeled the incident as “truly shocking” and confirmed she was receiving regular updates on the investigation.
This tragic event has deeply affected the community and the wider public, drawing significant attention to the importance of ensuring safety and justice for the victims and their families.
