John Hunt’s wife Carol Hunt and daughters killed

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A manhunt is underway in the south of England for a man suspected of killing the wife and two daughters of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt.

Police told reporters during a news conference today that the three women were allegedly killed in a crossbow attack by a suspect identified as Kyle Clifford, the ex-boyfriend of one of those killed. The three women are Hunt’s wife, Carol Hunt, and two of their daughters.

The incident occurred last night in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and police were called to Hunt’s home at around 7pm GMT (11am PT).

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said three women were found with serious injuries on arrival. “Despite our best efforts, the women unfortunately died at the scene a short time later,” he said. “Our primary objective today is to protect the public and locate Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women. We believe this is a targeted incident.”

Armed police and specialist search teams are responding “swiftly”, Simpson added, urging the public not to approach Clifford but to call 999. He also appealed directly to Clifford to contact them.

Hunt is a BBC horse racing commentator who has worked for BBC Radio 5 Live for many years.

Fellow racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote on X: “What happened to Hunt and his family today needs no words. The pain is unfathomable.” Another racing commentator, Mike Vince, said Hunt “remains one of the finest broadcast professionals I have ever had the honour of working with.”