Crossbow attack in London: Family members of a BBC journalist killed

CNN
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A manhunt is underway in north London for a man suspected of being armed with a crossbow after three women – the wife and two daughters of a BBC journalist – were killed on Tuesday evening.

Police said they were searching for a 26-year-old man named Kyle Clifford in connection with the deaths, who may be in the British capital or the neighboring county of Hertfordshire.

On Tuesday evening, police were called to a house in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where they found three seriously injured women who later succumbed to their injuries.

The victims of the triple murder were identified as the wife Carol Hunt and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, the British public broadcaster said on Wednesday. Police had previously stated that the deceased, aged 25, 28 and 61, were killed in what was believed to be a “targeted attack”.

A crossbow is believed to have been used in the triple murder, but police said Wednesday that other weapons may have been used.

Police have asked the public not to approach the suspect.

Clifford left the British Army in 2022 after a short period of service, a source in the British Ministry of Defense told CNN.

The BBC described the women’s deaths as “absolutely devastating” in a statement to staff. In a message to BBC 5 Live staff, the broadcaster said it would provide Hunt with “all possible support.”

“Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is absolutely devastating,” it continued. “Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”

British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was being kept “fully informed” by police about the ongoing manhunt.

“The loss of three women’s lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and the community,” Cooper wrote on X on Wednesday.

“I will be kept fully updated. I urge people to assist Hertfordshire Police with any information relating to this case,” she added.

A neighbour of the victims said, according to PA Media, that she had seen them “walking past every day and saying good morning”.

“It’s really sad what happened, very shocking,” she added.

This story has been updated.