Police have located the suspect in the crossbow killing of the BBC commentator’s family.
LONDON—British police announced on Wednesday that they have located the man believed to be responsible for the deaths of three women, including the wife and daughters of a well-known BBC radio personality, in a tragic crossbow attack near London.
According to a statement from Hertfordshire Police, 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found in the Enfield area of north London, near his residence, and is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. Police did not disclose how he sustained his injuries but confirmed that no shots were fired.
The BBC verified that the victims were the family members of broadcaster John Hunt—his wife Carol Hunt, 61, and their daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25.
Sky News footage showed the suspect being taken on a stretcher out of Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, close to his home, approximately 52 kilometers (17 miles) east of the crime scene. Throughout the day, armed police officers, forensic team members, and medical staff were present around the cemetery.
The public was advised not to approach Clifford, who reportedly served briefly in the British Army in 2022.
“After extensive investigations, the suspect has been located, and no other individuals are being sought in connection with the case at this time,” stated Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
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“This is an extremely challenging time for the victims’ family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with these tragic events,” she added.
Ms. Jenkins stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly, and the formal identification of the victims is pending. She also mentioned that prematurely disclosing the victims’ identities had caused significant distress.
Authorities had combed through a park in north London near Clifford’s residence following reports on Tuesday about the deaths at a house in Bushey. Despite efforts from the police and paramedics to save the victims, they were declared deceased at the scene.
John Hunt serves as the main radio commentator for BBC 5 Live, the network’s primary news and sports radio station. His voice is familiar to millions due to his coverage of prestigious events like the Grand National and The Derby.
One of Mr. Hunt’s colleagues and BBC 5 Live’s lead presenter Mark Chapman struggled to contain his emotions as he expressed shock and sorrow on air.
“We have a football match to bring you tonight … and we will start our buildup to it shortly but this has been a heartbreaking day,” he said during Wednesday’s coverage of England’s match against The Netherlands in the soccer European Championship.
“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who’ve worked here with him over the past 20 years, and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries,” Mr. Chapman stated. “So on behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
Reports from The Daily Mail and other sources indicated that Mr. Hunt discovered the bodies on Tuesday evening after returning from Lingfield Park racecourse in southern London.
Authorities did not specify the connection between Mr. Clifford and the victims, but the media reported that he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson suggested that the attack was targeted and that the suspect was acquainted with the family.
Local council member Laurence Brass, who resides nearby, described the area as a “typical leafy British suburb” and shared his experience from the previous night.
“Around eight o’clock last night, while watching football on television, a helicopter landed in the lawn outside my flat at the top of this road. Subsequently, my phone started ringing, and I was informed about a major incident here in Bushey, advising us to stay away due to an individual reportedly on the loose,” he recounted to the BBC.
Britain’s Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, remained fully briefed on the “truly shocking” event.
In the UK, owning a crossbow does not require a license, but it is illegal to carry one in public without a valid reason.
A Home Office spokesperson mentioned that Cooper will promptly review the results of an ongoing assessment to consider potential additional regulations on crossbows.
By Pan Pylas
