Search Ongoing for Suspect in Crossbow Killings of Three Women

A manhunt is underway following a tragic incident where three women were killed in a crossbow attack at their home in Bushey, on the outskirts of London, on Tuesday night.

Carol Hunt, aged 61, and her two daughters, aged 25 and 28, tragically lost their lives at their residence in Hertfordshire.

The BBC has confirmed that Ms. Hunt was married to horse racing commentator John Hunt.

Hertfordshire Police, with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies, is actively pursuing the 26-year-old suspect, Kyle Clifford, who is believed to still have possession of the crossbow.

Authorities suggest that he may be located in Hertfordshire or north London.

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Prior to the incident in Bushey, at least six individuals in England and Wales have lost their lives in the last seven years due to crossbow-related incidents, despite the devices being legally obtainable and owned.

Home Secretary: ‘Truly Shocking’

The new Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has expressed her shock at the tragic deaths and is being briefed on the ongoing search for Mr. Clifford.

Armed officers conducted a search at a residence in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday morning, but the suspect was not found.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police stated in a press briefing that the victims were deliberately targeted, and there is no indication that the suspect poses a threat to the general public.

He stated, “Our main focus today is public safety and locating Kyle Clifford, wanted in connection to the three women’s murders in what appears to be a targeted attack.”

“The manhunt involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding swiftly following this horrific incident involving a crossbow, though other weapons may have been used,” he added.

Suspect Urged to Contact Police

Appealing directly to the suspect, Mr. Simpson urged, “Kyle, if you are watching or listening, please reach out to the authorities.”

The dangers posed by crossbows have been emphasized on multiple occasions.

In November 2018, Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, aged 51, used a crossbow to fatally shoot his pregnant ex-wife, Devi, 35, at her residence in Ilford, east London, with her unborn child miraculously surviving.

The then-Prime Minister Theresa May indicated that her government would “consider the risk to public safety and whether additional measures are necessary.”

Back in Christmas 2021, when would-be attacker Jaswant Singh Chail, armed with a loaded crossbow, was apprehended at Windsor Castle, the then-Home Secretary Priti Patel vowed to review crossbow-related legislation.

Last year, Chail was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to an offense under the Treason Act.

Bryce Hodgson, 30, who had previously pleaded guilty to stalking in July 2023, received a suspended prison sentence of 16 weeks.

In February of this year, the government revealed plans to ban the sale of crossbows except under stringent conditions.

Buyers would undergo rigorous police vetting, similar to the checks required for firearms ownership.

The Home Office completed this work in April but did not introduce any legislation before the commencement of the general election campaign.

Various figures from the horse racing community expressed condolences on the X social media platform.

ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman stated, “No words can express the tragedy that has befallen [Mr. Hunt] and his family today.

“The pain is incomprehensible. Rest assured, we stand with you John. We support you, my friend – the racing community is here for you,” he added.

The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain also extended their sympathies on X.

PA Media contributed to this report.