Three victims of ‘crossbow attack’ identified as wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt

The wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt have been identified as the victims of a triple crossbow murder in Hertfordshire.

Police officers found three women, aged 25, 28, and 61, fatally injured in a house on Ashlyn Close after they were called to the property before 19:00 BST on Tuesday.

The three women killed in the attack in Bushey, near Watford, have now been named as Carol Hunt – the wife of the BBC commentator John Hunt, and their two daughters Hannah Hunt and Louise Hunt.

The BBC report that the three women were alive when ambulances and police arrived at the scene.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, all three women died a short time later.

The police believe the attack was targeted and carried out with a crossbow, but Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police says other weapons may also have been used.

A search is underway to find Kyle Clifford, 26, from the Enfield area, who is wanted in connection with the deaths.

Image credit: Getty

In his press conference, Simpson said “extensive police resources” have been deployed to north London and Bushey to locate Clifford.

Simpson, who described the incident as “horrific”, made a direct plea to Clifford, asking him to contact the police via 999. He also warned the public not to approach the suspect, who may still have the crossbow.

Addressing Mr Clifford directly, the chief superintendent said: “Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police.”

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, said the incident has sent “shockwaves” through the local community and across Hertfordshire.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the women who have been shockingly killed in this terrible incident in Bushey,” he added.

“I am being kept updated by the police and I urge the public to support the police with any information about the whereabouts of the named suspect.”

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit also released a statement.

“This is an incredibly difficult incident for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened,” he said.

“Whilst we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively seeking Kyle Clifford who we believe could be in the areas of Hertfordshire or North London.

“Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately. If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon.

“Our enquires will continue over the coming days to ascertain the full circumstances of what happened but I would also like to take this opportunity appeal to anyone who was in the area around Ashlyn Close from around lunchtime on Tuesday until 7pm, and believes they may have seen anything that could assist the investigation, to contact us.

“This incident will of course be of concern to local residents. Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be in the area today so please do speak to them if you need to.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images

Topics: Horse Racing