Helena Wilkinson
Reporting from Bushey

This is a usually quiet cul-de-sac in the leafy town of Bushey, which neighbours Watford in Hertfordshire.

After yesterday's horrific incident it had become the focus of a triple murder investigation.

Police officers stand by a cordon at one end of Ashlyn Close.

Out of sight, investigators are carrying out their important work, gathering evidence and piecing together what happened.

There is shock here. Deep shock. Nobody can believe what has happened.

Image source, PA Media

PA Media has reported that the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, is considering the findings of a Home Office review to see if tougher crossbow laws are needed.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "This is an appalling incident and the home secretary is being kept updated by the police.

"We keep legislation under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to look at whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.

"The home secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further."

Image source, Google

Schools across the area have been cautious.

An Enfield primary school has kept pupils inside during the school day as the search for Kyle Clifford continues in the area.

Jade-Simone Bacon, head teacher of St Michael's CE Primary School, external in Brigadier Hill, said pupils had stayed within the building today, although parents would be collecting them at the "normal time".

"We've locked both buildings and just kept the children inside. So we've not had them on the field or the playground," she said.

"It's not a lockdown as in under the desks or hidden or anything; it's just a lighter lockdown.

"We have just kept them within the building as though it were like a wet playday so we don't cause the children any distress and we keep everything as calm as possible."

Watford's new MP Matt Turmaine, whose constituency includes Ashlyn Close, has urged people with information to contact the police.

In a Facebook post the Labour politician described it as a "horrific and tragic crime".

He added: "Thoughts are with the family members and friends of those affected."

In a note to staff, the boss of BBC 5 Live, where John Hunt is a racing commentator, has described the news about his family as "utterly devastating".

"Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can," said Heidi Dawson, controller of the BBC radio station.

Armed police have searched an address in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, as the manhunt for Kyle Clifford continues.

The house, close to Gordon Hill railway station, was swarmed by officers on Wednesday morning, according to neighbours.

Two officers remained outside the property at 13:30, after a cordon was removed.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "They kept going in and out of the property carrying guns, the whole road was taped off.

"It was over quite quickly, but there's been helicopters flying around the area all day.

"I don't recognise the suspect at all, as far as I'm concerned he didn't live in the house."

Image source, PA Media

Conservative politician Oliver Dowden was the MP for this part of Bushey until boundary changes moved it to the neighbouring constituency of Watford ahead of the 2024 general election.

Mr Dowden, MP for Hertsmere, said he was "deeply concerned" about the incident and had been briefed by the chief constable of Hertfordshire.The former deputy prime minister said: "While I am no longer the Member of Parliament for this particular area following boundary changes, I am working to provide support to the community at this difficult time."

Image source, HERTFORDSHIRE POLICE

Kyle Clifford, the 26-year-old suspect being sought in connection with the attacks in Bushey, left the British army after a short period of service in 2022, the BBC understands.

Police are continuing to hunt for Clifford, and have urged him to contact them.

People have been offering their condolences to John Hunt following the news his wife, Carol Hunt, and two of their daughters have been killed.

Racing broadcaster Matt Chapman posted on X, external that it's "impossible to comprehend the pain".

"Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you," he says.

Commentator Mike Vince says on X, external that his "heart bleeds" for Mr Hunt, adding that the incident is "simply shattering".

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

"Our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this awful time," it posted on X., external

We're now hearing more from local councillor Louise Nicolas, who is speaking with BBC News following the release of further details about the victims.

As a reminder she published a post on Facebook earlier today.

Ms Nicolas explains that the area is "just a leafy suburb like many other leafy suburbs in this part of the world" and adds that everyone lives "peacefully".

"As my colleague councillor Brass said this morning, the most we ever deal with is a bit of graffiti and some fly tipping."

She calls the crime "horrific" and says her heart goes out to those affected and the community.

Image source, PA Media

If you're just joining us, here's what we know so far:

• Carol Hunt, the wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters have been killed in an attack which police believe involved a crossbow
• Police officers were called to Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just before 19:00 on Tuesday
• The victims, aged 25, 28, and 61 died at the scene
• Police believe it was a targeted attack and that a crossbow was used, and possibly other weapons
• Ch Supt Jon Simpson told reporters at a press conference that "extensive police resources" have been deployed to north London and Bushey to find the named suspect, Kyle Clifford
• He made a direct appeal to Clifford to contact them
• The police have warned the public not to approach the suspect, who may still have the crossbow

Stay with us as we'll continue bringing you live updates.

A police investigation into the deaths of three women in Bushey continues.

The manhunt for Kyle Clifford is taking place in the Hertfordshire town and north London.

The victims have recently been named as Carol Hunt, the wife of BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters.

Image source, PA

Image source, PA

Image source, PA

As we've just reported, the three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey, near Watford, are Carol Hunt, the wife of the BBC commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters.

Hertfordshire Police earlier revealed that the ages of the three women were 61, 28 and 25.

The three women killed in Bushey are Carol Hunt, the wife of the BBC Racing radio commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters.

Image source, DAWID WOJTOWICZ/BBC

Simon Powler, 49, a tennis coach who lives near Ashlyn Close in Bushey, said: "I got told to go inside because a man might be on the loose with a crossbow.

"I do boast about the fact that we live close enough to Watford to walk, and close to London. And while it's really freaky and sad, we still live in a nice area.

"I don't know what's made that person tip over the edge."

Ch Supt Jon Simpson gave an update earlier outside Hatfield Police Station

Laurence Brass, a local councillor, said he was watching last night's football on TV when the police operation began.

"We're very shocked; we're not used to this in this area - it's a typical leafy, British suburb," said the Lib Dem member for Bushey North, external on Hertfordshire County Council.

"The most dramatic thing that has ever happened here is a bit of illegal fly-tipping and suddenly we are told there are three murders.

"I think residents are a bit traumatised."

He said a helicopter landed on the lawn outside his flat.

For anyone with information on the whereabouts of Kyle Clifford, Hertfordshire Police says the public can contact the force in the following ways:

• call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Op Infauna
• report online here, external
• speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online webchat here
• for those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, or via its online form here, external

Image source, PA Media

We've just been hearing an update from Hertfordshire Police's Ch Supt Jon Simpson on the attack in Bushey. Here are some of the key details:

• Police found three women, aged 25, 28, and 61, fatally injured in a house in Ashlyn Close just after 19:00 BST on Tuesday

• Ch Supt Simpson said "extensive police resources" have been deployed to north London and Bushey to locate the named suspect, Kyle Clifford
• Specialist search teams and armed police officers are involved in the manhunt
• The force's "overarching objective" is the public's safety and finding Mr Clifford, the senior officer told reporters

• Police believe a crossbow was used in the incident, but Ch Supt Simpson says other weapons may also have been used
• He warned warned the public not to approach the suspect, who may still have the crossbow

• Addressing Mr Clifford directly, the chief superintendent said: "Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police"

Stay with us for more.