Who is BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt?

There has been an outpouring of support for BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt after it was revealed his wife and two daughters were victims of a deadly crossbow attack at their home.

John’s wife Carol, 61, and daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found fatally injured at their £800,000 detached home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last night.

Kyle Clifford, 26, from Enfield, is being hunted by police and is believed to be armed and dangerous.  

BBC stalwart John Hunt has worked at the corporation for 30 years as a racing commentator and previous to this worked as a police officer. 

The BBC stalwart has often spoke lovingly about his family and credited his wife Carol with his broadcasting career after she spotted an advert in the Harrow Observer for a job as a trainee broadcaster.  

Hunt, a regular racetrack caller and frequent presenter on At the Races, is now most widely heard as the commentary voice for the sport on BBC 5Live. 

His work on the national sport’s network has widened to occasional football commentary and also coverage of the equestrian events at the 2012 London Olympics. 

Before establishing himself as a race track legend, John had initially been reluctant to leave the police force as he would have to take a paycut. 

However, it was his devoted wife Carole who pushed him along the path telling him he’d enjoy it as he loved horse racing. 

After joining BBC Radio Five Live in 2004, he has never looked back and is now the broadcasters lead for swimming events.

Messages of condolence have been posted on social media by figures from the racing world following the news of the tragedy. 

ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote in an entry on X, formerly Twitter: ‘No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today.

‘Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you.’

The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain and Beverley Racecourse were among others sending their sympathies. 

As part of a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff on Wednesday, the organisation described the incident which involved the deaths of the wife and daughters of racing commentator John Hunt as ‘utterly devastating’.

The note read: ‘The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating.

‘Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.’

Commenting on the situation Bushey North councillors Louise Nicolas, Alan Matthews, and Paul Richards said: ‘We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident which took place in the heart of our local community.

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‘We extend our thoughts and condolences to their families and all those affected,’ they added.

‘We would encourage anyone who has information relevant to the inquiry to contact police.’

The Local Parish church has also announced that it will be open for the community to come and light candles and pray for the victims.

In a post to Facebook, a spokesperson for the Parish of Bushey said: ‘It is with deep sadness that the people of Bushey mourn the tragic loss of three members of our community.

‘This has made the national news and attention will be focused on where we live. Both the Parish Church of St James on the High Street of Bushey and St Pauls on Bushey Hall Road are open for people to offer prayers and light a candle for those who have died, the family of the victims and those helping with this terrible crime.

‘We also remember the perpetrator who committed this act, that he may come forward to the police.

‘Rest Eternal Grant To Them Oh Lord, And Light Perpetual Shine Upon Them. Amen.’