Manhunt as BBC racing commentator's family killed

Kyle Clifford dressed in a dark suit and tie, with a beard and brown eyes Image source, Hertfordshire Police
Image caption,

Detectives are searching for Kyle Clifford, 26, and are appealing for anyone who knows where he is to contact them

  • Published

Three women killed in a Hertfordshire home were the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, it has been confirmed.

Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were found seriously injured at a house in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, just before 19:00 BST on Tuesday, and all died at the scene.

A search is under way to find Kyle Clifford, 26, from the Enfield area, who is wanted in connection with the deaths.

He is believed to be in Hertfordshire or north London and in possession of a crossbow.

Image source, Family
Image caption,

John Hunt's wife Carol, 61, and daughters Louise (top right) and Hannah were killed.

A senior police officer had said earlier that the deaths were being treated as murders.

Ch Supt Jon Simpson had said "other weapons may also have been used".

Mr Clifford left the British army after a short period of service in 2022, the BBC understands.

Ch Supt Simpson had said the police's "overarching objective" was to protect public safety and to locate Mr Clifford.

He said the three women were believed to have been murdered in a "targeted incident"

Ch Supt Simpson had appealed to Mr Clifford and asked him to " please make contact with the police via 999".

He described was had happened as an "horrific incident" and said armed police and specialist search teams had involved in the manhunt.

Media caption,

Footage appears to show suspect Kyle Clifford after the crossbow attack

Det Supt Rob Hall earlier said: "Whilst we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively seeking Kyle Clifford who we believe could be in the areas of Hertfordshire or north London.

“Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately.

"If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon."

He also appealed for anyone who was in the area of Ashlyn Close between lunchtime and 19:00 on Tuesday, and who may have something to assist the investigation, to get in touch.

Media caption,

Police closed off Ashlyn Close on Tuesday evening as the inquiry got under way

Local councillor Louise Nicolas wrote in a post on Facebook, external that she was "deeply saddened to learn this morning of the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident".

"Should anyone wish to speak with us or require any support please do not hesitate to get in touch," said Ms Nicolas, a Liberal Democrat who represents the North Bushey ward on Hertsmere Borough Council.

"It goes without saying that this is a live investigation, so speculation as to the circumstances should not be entered into [on public forums]."

Media caption,

Police searched Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield during their search for the suspect

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