British police have located the suspect involved in the tragic killing of the wife and two daughters of a well-known BBC commentator near London. The brutal attack took place in Bushey, Hertfordshire, involving the use of a crossbow.
The victims, identified as 61-year-old Carol Hunt and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were members of the family of John Hunt, a prominent BBC radio commentator renowned for his horse racing coverage. The suspect, 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, was found in the Enfield area of north London, close to his home. Clifford is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries that police have not disclosed the origin of, but they confirmed no shots were fired by officers.
Footage from Sky News showed Clifford being carried on a stretcher out of Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, approximately 52 kilometers (17 miles) from the murder scene. Throughout the day, the cemetery was surrounded by armed police officers, forensic teams, and ambulance staff.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of Hertfordshire Police assured the public that the suspect had been located and no other individuals are being sought in connection with the investigation. She emphasized the importance of respecting the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
John Hunt’s colleagues at BBC 5 Live expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Mark Chapman, the station’s lead presenter, struggled with emotions as he began Wednesday’s coverage of England’s semifinal match against The Netherlands, extending thoughts and support to John Hunt and his family on behalf of everyone at 5 Live Sport.
Reports indicate that John Hunt discovered the bodies after returning home from a reporting assignment at Lingfield Park racecourse. While police have not confirmed Clifford’s relationship with the victims, media outlets suggested he was an ex-boyfriend of one of Hunt’s daughters. Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson indicated that the attack was not random and that the suspect knew the family.
Local council member Laurence Brass, who lives nearby, described the chaos of the night, recalling how a helicopter landed on the lawn outside his flat, and residents were warned to stay indoors as a major incident unfolded.
Britain’s new home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has been kept informed about the “truly shocking” incident. The Home Office is reviewing whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced, as owning one currently does not require a license in Britain, though carrying one in public without a reasonable excuse is prohibited.
The community remains in shock as the investigation continues, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions about public safety and the regulation of potentially dangerous weapons.
