John Hunt’s BBC co-star chokes up live on air as he pays heartbreaking tribute to colleague’s wife & two daughters
A CO-STAR of John Hunt choked up live on air as he paid tribute to his colleague’s wife and two daughters.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman sent his “love and thoughts” to his fellow commentator and friend after a “heartbreaking day” after his family were allegedly murdered.
Wife Carol Hunt, 61, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found dead inside their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, last night.
A major manhunt was launched before armed police caught murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, this evening in Enfield, North London.
Tributes were also paid during half-time of ITV’s coverage of the match between England and the Netherlands.
What we know so far…
- A manhunt has been launched after three women were found ‘murdered’ in a home in Bushey
- The victims are the wife and daughters of a BBC star
- It is believed suspect Kyle Clifford is the ex-boyfriend of one of the women
- Police are searching the Enfield area where Clifford is from after a car he is understood to have used was found
- Footage shows Clifford ‘fleeing home with crossbow‘
- Police confirm suspect has been caught
- Moment alleged killer Clifford is caught by cops
Presenter Mark Pougatch said, before going on air: “There is football tonight but much more importantly there is John Hunt and family to keep in your thoughts and hearts and prayers.”
At half-time of the match, Pougatch echoed his thoughts to ITV’s audience.
Commentator Sam Matterface then said: “That echoes our thoughts, a wonderful commentator and a wonderful man.”
Speaking through tears at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show on 5 Live, Mr Chapman said: “This has been a heartbreaking day.
“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries.
“On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
As part of a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff today, the broadcaster said it would provide Mr Hunt with “all the support we can”.
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.”
Messages of condolence were also posted on social media by figures from the racing world.
BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “There are no words.
“Like everyone else I feel numb and sick on John’s behalf at such incomprehensible evil.
“Everyone who knows John knows he is the absolute archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it’s impossible to know what he can be going through.
“But I know I’m speaking for the whole racing community and the whole wider sports media community as well, both of which he’s been part of for so long, when I say everyone is sending sympathy, love and support to him. It’s just awful.”
POLICE AND HOME OFFICE STATEMENTS
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said this evening: “Following extensive enquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time.”
She continued: “We have had an overwhelming number of calls and would like to express our gratitude to the members of the public who have contacted us.
“We would still appeal for anyone with information or footage to please contact police directly and refrain from commenting on social media as this could affect the progress of the case.
“We have set up an information portal where people can submit any information, photos or video footage which they feel could assist us with our investigation.
“This incident will of course be of concern to local residents. Additional local officers will be in the area today so please do speak to them if you need to.”
She went on to say: “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“This investigation is moving at pace and formal identification of the victims is yet to take place.”
Police said they were looking at whether the force had contact with the victims or Clifford before the killings.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she is being kept fully updated about the inquiry into the “truly shocking” deaths.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We keep legislation under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to look at whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.
“The Home Secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further.”
ITV and Sky Sports Racing commentator Matt Chapman said: “News like this is shocking enough but on a personal level even more so when it involves a friend and colleague you totally respect.
“There are no words here. Just the wish to let John know we love him and racing loves him. There are loads of us who he can talk to should he need or want to.
“John is an outstanding commentator and broadcaster – but he’s also just a lovely bloke.”
A statement from Sky Sports Racing read: “Everyone at Sky Sports Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in Hertfordshire and our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this awful time.”
Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said: “The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with John Hunt, his family and friends at this shocking and tragic time.
“It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event.
“John is a great friend to many in our sport and I am sure that in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have seen many times before when one of our number is faced with great trauma.”
The Sun revealed earlier 26-year-old Clifford had served briefly in the Armed Forces before the “targeted” attack last night.
Clifford was a trooper – the equivalent to a private – in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.
A picture shows him in his Army gear with camo face paint posing with a gun.
A former boss from early in his career said the murder suspect dropped out soon after passing out.
Dramatic footage obtained exclusively by The Sun this afternoon showed cops storming a home near the cemetery in the hunt for the suspect.
Two helicopters were spotted circling the Hilly Fields area as armed police stormed a home and later traced the suspect to a cemetery.