Bushey ‘crossbow killing’ victims are ‘wife & 2 daughters of BBC star’ – and 1 is ex-girlfriend of suspect Kyle Clifford
THREE women “murdered” in what’s understood to be a horror crossbow killing are said to be the family of a BBC star.
Police raced to the quiet Hertfordshire street at around 7pm yesterday.
The three women – aged 25, 28, and 61 – were found fighting for their lives with serious injuries.
The trio, who are understood to be related, tragically died at then house despite medics’ best efforts.
A murder probe was quickly launched, along with a manhunt for suspect Kyle Clifford.
It is understood the three women were related to John Hunt, a BBC Five Live racing commentator.
The Telegraph reported the three women killed were thought to be the wife and two daughters of the star.
It said Hunt, who has worked for the station for the past two decades, had been working for the Beeb on Tuesday, and could have returned home to find the horror.
MailOnline reports Clifford was the ex-boyfriend of one of Hunt’s daughters.
In a press conference at 12.30noon Hertfordshire Police said they were still hunting for the suspect.
The force confirmed Clifford, who is from Enfield in North London, may still be armed and urged anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately.
They also said it is believed he may be in possession of a crossbow and may have used other weapons in the “targeted” attack.
Appealing directly to Clifford today, Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this please make contact with police via 999.”
Herts Police have told anyone who was in Ashlyn Close from lunchtime yesterday to come forward to call 101 quoting Op Infauna.
DSI Rob Hall said: “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.
“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.”
It comes after horrified neighbours told of hearing screams last night.
Francis Turner told The Sun: “My husband and I were watching the football when we heard sirens and shouting. There were around 30 policemen outside.
“There were armed police. They came and knocked on our door and told us to stay inside and keep our doors shut.
“My heart goes out to them. I feel very sad for the family, my heart goes out to them.”
One neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said they heard screaming before “at least 16 police cars” swooped on the scene.
They added: “It was between 6.30pm and 7pm last night and it literally just sounded like kids, somebody, screaming, and then it was more shrill and I was like, ‘that’s definitely a woman screaming’, and within 15 minutes, it was absolute chaos.
“We had armed police running down, screaming ‘stay in your house’…. they shut us off and basically put us into lockdown.”
Another local Dereck Turner, who took a photo of armed cops outside, said: “It’s a very quiet and peaceful area, it’s close to everything, when a house comes up it’s gone.”
- Additional reporting by Mike Sullivan and Thomas Godfrey
Cops' latest statement
IN their latest update, Superintendent Jon Simpson confirmed the force believe the horror was “a targeted incident”.
“Police were called to a property in Ashlyn close just before 7pm last night. Officers attended alongside colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service and on arrival found three women with serious injuries.
“Sadly despite their best efforts the women,w ho are believed to be related, died a short time later at the scene.
“The victims are ages 25, 28, and 61. Our over arching objective today is to protect public safety and locate Kyle Clifford who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women, in what we believe is a targeted incident.
“We have extensive police resources deployed to various locations in North London, and the Bushey area of Hertfordshire.
“The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding at pace in the wake of what has been a horrific incident involving what is currently believed to be a crossbow but other weapons may also have been used.
“If members of the public see Kyle Clifford they are urged not to approach him at any point and dial 999 immediately.
“Kyle if you are seeing or hearing this please make contact with police via 999.
“Upon an immediate search operation a major crime inquiry has been launched and we also appeal to the public for any information in relation to the incident.
“This incident will of course be of concern to local residents. Additional local officers will be in the area today.”
You can report information online, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via their online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Op Infauna.
Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.