What we know about Kyle Clifford as Bushey triple murder suspect in ‘serious condition’
Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford is in a 'serious condition' and has not yet spoken to investigators over the fatal incident at a home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, police have said.
Giving an update on the murder of the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt on Thursday, Detective Superintendent Rob Hall said Clifford was in a serious condition in hospital after being detained on Wednesday evening. The officer also said a crossbow had been recovered.
Carol Hunt, 61, was killed alongside two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, during an incident in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey just after 7pm on Tuesday.
Clifford was caught by police in a cemetery in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday night, some 24 hours after the victims were discovered dead in the 'targeted attack'.
Footage from Sky News appeared to show Clifford, who served a short period in the British Army, being stretchered out of the cemetery by paramedics. Armed police had earlier swarmed the area, with an air ambulance seen nearby. No shots were fired and no one else is being sought in connection with the deaths.
On Thursday, further searches took place at a house linked to Clifford’s brother, Bradley Clifford, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of a moped passenger in 2018. During the search of the house in Enfield, authorities confiscated two computer hard drives and two document bags.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that home secretary Yvette Cooper will examine laws relating to the ownership of crossbows following the incident.
During his trip to the Nato summit in Washington DC, the prime minister told the BBC: “First let me just say how awful this incident was, and our condolences and thoughts are obviously with all of the family members and family affected.
“In relation to crossbows, the home secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation, and she will.”
What we know
Hertfordshire Police were called to a property in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, just before 7pm on Tuesday 9 July.
The three women were found with fatal injuries and despite the efforts from the East of England Ambulance Service, they died at the scene a short time later.
A manhunt for Clifford was subsequently launched and shortly after 8.30am on Wednesday, Hertfordshire police published Kyle Clifford's name, age, and photograph.
Chief Superintendent John Simpson, from Hertfordshire Police, said in a press conference on Wednesday that a crossbow was used in the incident but that other weapons may have been used.
Armed police searched a home in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, children at a primary school in Enfield were kept indoors as police continued their search for the triple murder suspect.
The hunt for Clifford eventually switched to focus on a cemetery in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield, north London on Wednesday afternoon. Emergency services, including armed police, could be seen in the area in footage posted on social media.
As part of the investigation on Thursday police raided a house linked to Clifford's brother, Bradley. He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of moped passenger Soban Khan in 2018.
According to the Metropolitan Police at the time of the murder, Bradley Clifford had targeted the moped before crashing into it and continued to assault Khan after the collision.
Tributes have been paid to the victims both locally and from the racing world. Speaking outside St James’ Church, where a vigil took place for the victims on Thursday, Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.
She said “It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”
“They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls. They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It’s the thing of nightmares.
Messages of condolence were posted on social media by figures from the racing world throughout Wednesday. ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today. “Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you.”
The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain and Beverley Racecourse were among others sending their sympathies.
What we don’t know
Details about the incident remain scarce and it is not known the exact circumstances that led to the women’s deaths. Police have said a crossbow was used and also indicated other weapons may have been involved, but that has not been confirmed. It is not clear how long the attacker was in the victims' house and the extent of the attack.
According to the Guardian, Mrs Hunt was found with crossbow injuries in the hallway of the house. The Guardian has also reported sources saying one of the victims dialled 999, but that has also not been confirmed by police.
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The extent of Clifford's injuries is not clear nor how he acquired them.
Clifford's connection to the army remains unclear, including how long he served and the circumstances under which he left. Yahoo News has contacted the British Army for more details.
Watch: Neighbours in shock after three women killed in Bushey
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BBC presenter emotional during on-air tribute to John Hunt Mark Chapman paid an emotional tribute to his BBC colleague John Hunt ahead of England's match with the Netherlands. Opening the show, Mark said: "Good evening from Germany, we have a football match to bring you tonight and we will do and we will start our build-up to it shortly. Today has been a heart-breaking day." He added, with his voice breaking: "And so, on behalf of everyone connected to 5Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family." [Manchester Evening News]
Carol Hunt found with crossbow injuries Sources said that Carol Hunt was found in the hallway of the house with a crossbow bolt in her chest, while evidence of ligatures were found near the victims. One of the victims is understood to have texted her partner, urging them to call the police" [The Guardian]
Full timeline of Kyle Clifford manhunt [Birmingham Live]
Grief washes over quiet, leafy Bushey as three women 'murdered' "Shocked and distraught local residents paid tribute to the three victims as “beautiful souls” and told The Independent of often seeing the family out walking their dogs together in the local area. Among them are Simon and Tracey Bowler, who described the Hunts as “nice and friendly” neighbours who would always wave and say “hello” as they walked their dogs past the Bowler family’s house. [The Independent]
Neighbours pay tribute to ‘beautiful souls’ killed in crossbow attack The Hunts were described as “the loveliest, gentlest family” as well-wishers laid flowers by the police cordon in Ashlyn Close, a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, on Wednesday. A friend of Louise Hunt, who knew her from their time at school, said she was “always a positive person” and that he could not think of “anything bad to say about her”.." [PA]
