London
CNN
—
British police on Wednesday found a suspect wanted in connection with the triple murder of a BBC journalist – his wife and two daughters – after a manhunt.
The search for Kyle Clifford, 26, began on Tuesday night when police were called to a house in Bushey, Hertfordshire, where they found three women with serious injuries.
Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt, and her daughters Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, later died from their injuries, police and the British public broadcaster said in a statement on Wednesday.
A crossbow is believed to have been used in the “targeted incident”, police said, adding that other weapons may have also been used.
From the BBC
BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt and his wife Carol.
Hertfordshire Police said in a statement that Clifford, who police had warned may have been in possession of a crossbow, was found in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday afternoon and was being treated for injuries.
“A man wanted in connection with the triple murder in Bushey has been traced to a location in North London. Following an extensive search, Kyle Clifford, 26, was found by officers in the Enfield area this afternoon (Wednesday, July 10),” the statement said.
“At this stage it appears the suspect was known to the victim.”
A Ministry of Defence source told CNN that Clifford was due to retire from the British military in 2022 after a short period of service. His former military superior told CNN that he joined the army in 2019 and served in the Household Cavalry.
The murder shocked Britain, where mass killings are rare but violence against women is considered a national threat by the government.
One woman is murdered by a man every three days in the UK and one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, Reem Al-Salem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, said earlier this year.
“Deeply ingrained patriarchy at almost all levels of society, combined with a growing misogyny that permeates the real and online world, is denying thousands of women and girls across the UK their right to live a safe life free from fear and violence,” Alsalem said in February.
In a statement to staff, the BBC described the woman’s murder as “utterly devastating”, and in a note sent to BBC Radio 5 Live staff it said it would offer Mr Hunt “all the support we can”.
“The news today about John Hunt’s family is extremely devastating,” the company said. “Our thoughts are with John and his family at this extremely difficult time and we will offer all the support we can.”
James Manning/PA via The Associated Press
Police and emergency personnel at the scene of a murder in Bushey, Hertfordshire, England, on July 10, 2024.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper offered her condolences following the murder.
“The deaths of three women in Bushey last night are truly devastating. My thoughts go out to the family, friends and local community of those who have died,” Ms Cooper wrote on X on Wednesday.
“I am keeping myself updated and would ask anyone with any information about this incident to assist Hertfordshire Police.”
“I used to see them walking past every day and say good morning to them,” a neighbour of the women said, according to PA media.
“What happened is really sad and very shocking,” she added.
In the UK, it is legal to buy or own a crossbow if you are over 18, but possessing one in a public place without a valid reason can mean jail time. In February, the previous government launched an eight-week review of the rules and the possibility of introducing a licensing system.
This story has been updated with additional information.
