Crossbow maniac held women for hours as he executed them, police fear
A crossbow-wielding killer may have held his three victims captive for hours, police believe. Chilling details emerged today of what police are describing as an 'unprecedented attack' on Louise Hunt, 25, her sister Hannah, 28 and mother Carol, 61, who were tied up and shot dead with a crossbow. Officers are investigating whether the killer held all three women captive for a period by threatening them with weapons including the three-foot crossbow.
The shocking development came as Hannah's boyfriend Alex Klein paid a heart-breaking tribute to 'the love of my life' today. Sharing a treasured photo of the couple, Mr Klein wrote: 'RIP the love of my life, I will never forget you, stolen from me too soon. 'The brightest light in my life. My brave queen for life. Until we meet again... I love you Hansy.' Police have yet to speak to the suspected perpetrator, Kyle Clifford who remains in a 'serious condition' in hospital after he was found cowering in a cemetery with self-inflicted wounds following a 20-hour manhunt.
The 26-year-old former soldier is believed to have made a desperate attempt on his life as police closed in on his hideaway less than a mile from his home in Enfield at 4.30pm on Wednesday. The Guardian reports that Clifford has undergone emergency surgery for a chest wound and is being treated at London hospital under police guard. The sole suspect is yet to be formally arrested or interviewed. Police believe that the suspect was in the area for seven hours before the murders. But they do not know exactly how long he was in the victims' house.
Clifford is believed to have gone back to his car at one point. Police are checking doorbell cameras and speaking to neighbours to try to establish what happened. Detectives are piecing together what happened the day earlier when an armed man burst into the suburban home of BBC racing commentator John Hunt which he has shared with his wife and three daughters for the last 20 years. Neighbours said his youngest daughter Louise had recently broken off her relationship with Clifford, which had turned 'messy'.
The 25-year-old, who owned a dog grooming business, was so stressed by the break-up that she subsequently crashed her car. In her final post on X, Louise reposted a message saying: 'I admire women who leave. 'It takes a lot of strength to break a tie. It takes a lot of self love to choose yo self (sic).' Officers are investigating whether the killer barged into her home in a 'targeted' revenge attack. A figure dressed in black was seen arriving at the quiet cul-de-sac after midday on Tuesday parking up at the rear of the property close by an alleyway leading to the four bedroom house.
Neighbours who captured the suspect's movements on doorbell cameras said he was initially seen carrying just a dark bag, with no crossbow in sight, likely in order to take his victims by surprise. The revelation suggests that the killer may have taken the time to assemble the weapon at the scene after subduing his victims who are said to have been tied up and gagged in an extraordinary pre-planned attack. It was reported today that the victims were found with ligature marks around their wrists and face and had signs of injuries on their knees. Police revealed that there had been no prior contact between Hertfordshire Constabulary, Kyle Clifford and the victims, suggesting that there was no warning the family was at risk. It was claimed that the mother-of-three was found in the hallway of the house with a crossbow bolt in her chest, while evidence of ligatures were found near the victims.
During their ordeal, Hannah, 28, is understood to have sent a text to her partner, urging a call to the police. One of the victims also called 999 and alerted police about the incident before the perpetrator fled, it was reported today. When the suspect later emerged from the property around 6.50pm he was seen carrying a large crossbow under a sheet. Detectives have asked the public to report anything suspicious in Ashlyn Close over the seven hour period until 7pm that night when armed police rushed to the property. Paramedics frantically attempted to save the victims but they died at the scene. Police were today seen searching the suspect's home in Enfield retrieving computer hard drives and documents. Clifford remains at the Royal London Hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.
A police spokesman said: 'At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers. 'A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.' Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: 'Our thoughts remain with the victims' family and loved ones at this devastating and indescribable time. They are being supported by specially trained officers. This was an unprecedented attack and we are determined to understand the full circumstances of what happened that evening and the events leading up to it. 'We are wholly committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family.'
A sea of flowers and tribute were laid at the police cordon on Thursday. One said: 'Louise, Hannah and Carol. The strongest women to ever exist. You'll always be remembered. I wish I could continue doing life with you Louise my beautiful girlie. I'll miss you forever.' Tearful neighbours and friends attended a vigil in memory of the women at a local church today.
Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol said: 'This is the stuff nightmares are made of. 'I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.' She added: 'They were a lovely family and they were lovely girls. They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It's the thing of nightmares. 'I feel for their eldest daughter and John. I can't imagine what it would be like.'
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