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Kyle Clifford: This is how the manhunt for the suspected triple murder went

Image source, Hertfordshire Police

Image description, Hertfordshire Police said Kyle Clifford had been found

  • Author, Ruth Comerford
  • Role, BBC News

This article contains details that some readers may find disturbing.

A triple murder suspect was arrested following the murder of the woman and her two daughters on Tuesday.

Kyle Clifford, 26, was found by police in the Enfield area on Wednesday afternoon following a major manhunt in Hertfordshire and north London.

Police believe the attack on Tuesday evening was carried out with a crossbow and possibly other weapons.

How did the attack take place?

Just before 7pm (BST) on Tuesday evening, three women were found seriously injured. Police believe a crossbow was used in the attack.

All three victims died at the scene in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

A large-scale manhunt was launched today for the suspect Kyle Clifford (26), who comes from Enfield in north London and previously worked as a security guard.

Armed police officers and specialist search teams responded “swiftly” and were deployed to various locations in north London and the Bushey area of ​​Hertfordshire.

On Wednesday afternoon, armed officers and paramedics were seen at a cemetery near where a house was searched in Enfield.

The cemetery was cordoned off and a rescue helicopter was spotted nearby.

Hertfordshire Police later said Kyle Clifford was shot by police “without shots being fired”. He is currently receiving medical treatment after being found with injuries.

Who were the victims?

They are Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their three daughters – Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.

Image description, Carol Hunt, 61, one of the three women killed, with her husband, BBC commentator John

Image source, Louise Hunt

Image source, Hannah Hunt

What do we know about the suspect?

Further details about the suspect are still emerging, but Kyle Clifford is believed to have left the British Army after a brief period of service in 2022.

Police are treating the murders as a “targeted incident” and believe the victims knew the suspect.

Hertfordshire Police said shortly after Mr Clifford’s arrest that he had been found with injuries and was receiving treatment.

Timeline of events

  • Just before 7pm on Tuesday, police officers were called to Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, after a neighbour reported screaming.
  • The three women were found seriously injured and died at the scene of the accident despite the efforts of paramedics
  • Armed police raided a house on Rendlesham Road in Enfield at around 8am on Wednesday
  • Police confirmed the killings were “targeted” and warned the public not to approach Mr Clifford.
  • “Extensive police resources,” including helicopters and armed officers, were deployed on Wednesday to find the suspect
  • Hertfordshire Police announced shortly before 6.30pm on Wednesday that officers had located and arrested Mr Clifford in Enfield.
  • Police said he was being treated after being found with injuries

What did the police say?

Police warned the public on Wednesday not to approach the suspect because he may be in possession of a crossbow.

They also appealed to anyone who was near Ashlyn Close between midday and early Tuesday evening to come forward.

A councillor, Louise Nicholas, said support was available for residents affected by the incidents.

Hertfordshire Police said Mr Clifford was found shortly before 6.30pm on Wednesday, but added that no shots were fired.

Det Insp Justine Jenkins, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Crime Unit, said it was an “incredibly difficult time for the victims’ families”.

“We ask that you respect their privacy as they process what has happened,” she added.

She said the investigation was “progressing rapidly” but police had not yet officially identified the victims.

“After extensive investigations, the suspect has been located and no one else is currently being sought in connection with the investigation,” she added.

Image description, The three women died in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire

What was the public reaction?

John Hunt works as a racing commentator for BBC Five Live.

A spokesman for the broadcaster said: “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is absolutely devastating.

“Our thoughts are with John and his family during this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”

Racing commentators have also expressed their condolences.

One of them, Matt Chapman, posted on X that it was “impossible to comprehend the pain.”

“Just know that we’re all here for you, John. We love you, mate – racing loves you,” he said.

Commentator Mike Vince said on X that his “heart bleeds” for Mr Hunt, adding that the incident was “simply shocking”.

Sky Sports Racing said its team was “deeply saddened” by the “tragic deaths”.

“At this terrible time, our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends,” X said.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the deaths were “truly shocking” and added she would be kept updated on the police investigation.