Kyle Clifford, who is suspected of a triple homicide involving three family members of a BBC racing commentator, remains in a critical state in hospital and has yet to communicate with authorities. The 26-year-old was discovered injured in Enfield’s Hilly Fields area in north London on Wednesday, following a lengthy manhunt.
BBC 5 Live pundit John Hunt’s wife, Carol Hunt (61), and two of their daughters, Hannah (28) and Louise (25), were found mortally wounded at a residence on Ashlyn Close, a peaceful cul-de-sac in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just past 7 pm on Tuesday. Police in Hertfordshire confirmed that they have subsequently found a crossbow which is a crucial part of their investigation.
Upon investigation, it was disclosed that Louise was the suspect’s former girlfriend and that the authorities had not received any prior reports relating to either Clifford or the victims. During his visit to the Nato summit in Washington DC, UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer expressed his condolences to the affected family, acknowledging the severity of the incident.
The unfortunate news of their demise has led to a series of tributes being paid to the well-loved family by friends and colleagues. Lea Holloway (60), a lifelong friend of Carol Hunt, labelled her a “beautiful person”. Surrounded by close friends Dionne Smith and Abigail Phillips, she poured out her grief, lamenting the loss of their quartet and the difficulty of adjusting to this horrific reality.
Hannah, a popular skin therapist at The Anti-Ageing Clinic based in Radlett, Hertfordshire, was shockingly killed on Tuesday night, resulting in great sorrow and loss amongst her colleagues. This appalling act of violence is being thoroughly investigated by Detective Superintendent Rob Hall of the Major Crime Unit, encompassing Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Striving to understand the events leading up to and occurring on that tragic night, the detective described the incident as extraordinarily severe.
Further investigation led officers to a residence associated with Bradley Clifford, the brother of the individual wanted in connection to Hannah’s killing. Bradley is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 23 years for his role in the 2018 killing of Soban Khan, a moped passenger.
On Thursday, Ashlyn Close, the scene of the crime, saw a flurry of floral tributes. Poignant notes, offering messages of peace, were attached to several bouquets. The individual believed to be involved in the crime, Clifford, was discovered injured at the Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, North London and subsequently was transported to a major trauma centre for medical attention.
Before the suspect was located, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of the Hertfordshire Police had informed the media in a press briefing that the victims were likely specifically targeted. Clifford, who is believed to have served a brief period in the Army before leaving in 2022, was suspected of being armed with a crossbow at the time of his disappearance. Authorities issued stern warnings to the public to avoid approaching him, as it was perceived that he had connections with the victims. – PA