Crossbow triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, is arrested

By Mark Duell

Published: | Updated:

Advertisement

Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford was arrested in hospital today following the crossbow deaths of three family members of a BBC racing commentator. The 26-year-old was found with injuries in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield, North London, on Wednesday following a manhunt which lasted for a number of hours. Clifford was taken to hospital for treatment, and has now arrested on suspicion of murder today. Hertfordshire Police said he remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford was arrested in hospital today following the crossbow deaths of three family members of a BBC racing commentator. The 26-year-old was found with injuries in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield, North London, on Wednesday following a manhunt which lasted for a number of hours. Clifford was taken to hospital for treatment, and has now arrested on suspicion of murder today. Hertfordshire Police said he remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found fatally injured at a house in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday.

Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were found fatally injured at a house in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday. 

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said today: 'Our thoughts remain with the victims' family at this tragic time. The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.'

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said today: 'Our thoughts remain with the victims' family at this tragic time. The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.'

Police previously said a crossbow has since been recovered as part of the investigation. Officers also confirmed that they had received no earlier reports after exploring whether there had been previous contact with Clifford or the victims - as it emerged Louise was the ex-partner of the suspect. Colleagues and friends of the three victims have paid tribute to the 'lovely family' since their deaths. Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a 'beautiful person'.

Police previously said a crossbow has since been recovered as part of the investigation. Officers also confirmed that they had received no earlier reports after exploring whether there had been previous contact with Clifford or the victims - as it emerged Louise was the ex-partner of the suspect. Colleagues and friends of the three victims have paid tribute to the 'lovely family' since their deaths. Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a 'beautiful person'.

Speaking outside St James' Church yesterday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: 'We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of. I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events. It's very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.'

Speaking outside St James' Church yesterday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: 'We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of. I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events. It's very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.' 

Ms Holloway continued: '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. I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can't imagine what it would be like.' After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters: 'We were a four, and now there's only three. It doesn't seem real. We are together in grief.'

Ms Holloway continued: '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. I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can't imagine what it would be like.' After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters: 'We were a four, and now there's only three. It doesn't seem real. We are together in grief.' 

In a post on Facebook, Hannah Hunt's colleagues at The Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett, Hertfordshire, said it was with 'deep regret and sadness' that they learned of the 'horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah'. The post continued: 'She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her. We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family. She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.' Loreto College in St Albans said it was 'mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah and Louise, along with their mother, Carol'.

In a post on Facebook, Hannah Hunt's colleagues at The Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett, Hertfordshire, said it was with 'deep regret and sadness' that they learned of the 'horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah'. The post continued: 'She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her. We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family. She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.' Loreto College in St Albans said it was 'mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah and Louise, along with their mother, Carol'.

Clifford (pictured) was found injured at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield on Wednesday and was taken to a major trauma centre for treatment. Police said no shots had been fired by officers. Armed police had earlier been in the area, with an air ambulance nearby. Footage from Sky News appeared to show Clifford being stretchered out of the cemetery by paramedics and a further clip seemed to show the suspect been wheeled into the Royal London hospital. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it received a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police after Clifford was found by officers with serious injuries in Enfield, but was satisfied no investigation was needed.

Clifford (pictured) was found injured at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield on Wednesday and was taken to a major trauma centre for treatment. Police said no shots had been fired by officers. Armed police had earlier been in the area, with an air ambulance nearby. Footage from Sky News appeared to show Clifford being stretchered out of the cemetery by paramedics and a further clip seemed to show the suspect been wheeled into the Royal London hospital. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it received a mandatory referral from the Metropolitan Police after Clifford was found by officers with serious injuries in Enfield, but was satisfied no investigation was needed. 

A spokesperson said: 'Based on the evidence provided, there does not appear to have been any physical contact with Mr Clifford at the time he was seriously injured. Therefore, we were satisfied the matter does not require investigation and it has been returned to the force to deal with.'

A spokesperson said: 'Based on the evidence provided, there does not appear to have been any physical contact with Mr Clifford at the time he was seriously injured. Therefore, we were satisfied the matter does not require investigation and it has been returned to the force to deal with.'

Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.

Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.

BBCJohn Hunt