Crossbow suspect captured near cemetery after three women killed

A suspect being hunted in connection with the killing of three women has been captured at a cemetery.

Kyle Clifford, 26, is in custody after the deaths of the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

Police had said they wanted to find Mr Clifford, 26, who is from Enfield.

They had said he was believed to be in Hertfordshire or north London and in possession of a crossbow.

Police later issued a statement saying: “Following an extensive search, Kyle Clifford, aged 26, was found in the Enfield area by officers this afternoon.

“He is receiving medical treatment having been found with injuries. No shots were fired by police.”

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.

Det Insp Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened.

“This investigation is moving at pace and formal identification of the victims is yet to take place.”

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

Det Insp Jenkins said: “We have had an overwhelming number of calls and would like to express our gratitude to the members of the public who have contacted us.

“We would still appeal for anyone with information or footage to please contact police directly and refrain from commenting on social media as this could affect the progress of the case.

“We have set up an information portal where people can submit any information, photos or video footage which they feel could assist us with our investigation.

“This incident will, of course, be of concern to local residents. Additional local officers will be in the area today so please do speak to them.”

Earlier, local councillor Louise Nicolas wrote, in a post on Facebook, 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].”