British police apprehended a suspect linked to the triple homicide of the wife and two daughters of a BBC sports commentator on Wednesday after an extensive manhunt. The search for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford began on Tuesday evening when officers responded to an emergency call at a residence in Bushey, Hertfordshire. There, they discovered three women with severe injuries.
Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt, along with their daughters, 28-year-old Hannah Hunt and 25-year-old Louise Hunt, succumbed to their injuries, according to statements from the police and Britain’s public broadcaster on Wednesday.
Investigators believe a crossbow was used in the “targeted incident” and possibly other weapons as well. Hertfordshire Police stated that Clifford, who was considered armed and dangerous, was located in Enfield, North London, on Wednesday afternoon and is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
“Police confirmed that Kyle Clifford, 26, wanted for a triple murder in Bushey, was located in Enfield, North London, after an extensive search on Wednesday, July 10. The suspect is thought to have known the victims.
A source in the British defense ministry revealed that Clifford left the British army in 2022 after a brief period of service. He joined the forces in 2019 and served in the Household Cavalry, his former military superior told CNN.
The brutal killings have sent shockwaves through Britain, where such mass murders are rare. Violence against women has been identified as a national threat by the government Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women, noted that in the UK, a woman is killed by a man every three days, and one in four women will experience domestic violence.
In February, Reem Alsalem, the UN special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, stated that entrenched patriarchy and increasing misogyny in the UK are depriving thousands of women and girls of their right to live safely and without fear. These societal issues, both in the physical and online worlds, severely impact their ability to live free from violence.
The BBC described the killings as “utterly devastating” in a statement to staff and pledged support to John Hunt. “The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating,” it said. “Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed her condolences, calling the Bushey tragedy “truly shocking” and urging the public to support the police with information.
A neighbor of the victims shared her sadness with PA Media, saying, “I would see them every day passing by and they would say good morning. “It’s incredibly sad and shocking what has happened.”
In Britain, individuals over 18 can legally buy or own a crossbow, although carrying one in public without a reasonable excuse can result in imprisonment. The previous government launched an eight-week review of the regulations and the potential introduction of a licensing scheme in February.
