Distraught BBC star John Hunt releases emotional statement after wife & daughters killed in crossbow attack
THE heartbroken family of the mum and two daughters killed in an alleged crossbow attack have released an emotional statement.
Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC star John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were allegedly tied up before being shot dead on Tuesday night.
Cops yesterday arrested Kyle Clifford, who they had launched a manhunt for after the horror, on suspicion of the triple murder.
And now the heartbroken BBC star and daughter Amy have told of their “devastation”.
Grieving after losing three of their closest family members, the pair said: “The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words.
“We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.
“As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us, and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process.
“While this is happening, we would ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and relations be respected at this time. Thank you.”
Tributes had already been flooding in for the sisters and their mum, who has another daughter who lives in Birmingham.
Su Kehinde, 60, who lives nearby, said: “They were the loveliest, gentlest family. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”
While her daughter April said Hannah, who worked as a beautician, “always had a smile”.
She added: “She was hard-working, a hard grafter and really gentle.”
A huge manhunt was launched for Clifford, 26, following the triple horror in Bushey, Hertfordshire on Tuesday night.
The 26-year-old, who had previously dated Louise, was snared in a dramatic raid in a cemetery in his hometown of Enfield on Wednesday night.
Clifford was rushed to a major trauma centre with suspected self-inflicted injuries but was formally arrested on Friday.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall said after the arrest: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.
“The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”
The horror unfolded at around 7pm on Tuesday as neighbours heard disturbing screams on the quiet residential street.
It is understood one of the victims managed to bravely ring police, while another sent a desperate last text to her partner urging them to dial 999.
Although some reports claimed the horrific scene was discovered by John, it is understood the BBC commentator was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words.
John & Amy Hunt
Armed police swooped on the street where the bodies of the three women were found inside the suburban home.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing his as the search for the alleged killer widened.
They confirmed the suspect, who served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, could have still been armed and issued a do not approach warning.
During the hunt, Clifford’s home in Enfield was raided and some schools nearby were put in lockdown.
Just after 4.30pm on Wednesday, gun cops and paramedics were seen rushing into Lavender Hill Cemetery just a few minutes’ walk away.
Dramatic footage showed Clifford being stretchered from the scene and taken by ambulance to Royal London Hospital.
Police confirmed no shots had been fired and nobody else was being sought over the triple tragedy.
As Clifford was being treated for suspected self-inflicted injuries, tragic details began to emerge.
John’s colleagues from the racing world shared their condolences after the horror unfolded.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman choked up as he sent his “love and thoughts” to his fellow commentator and friend.
He 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.”
While BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “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.”
Hertfordshire Police's latest update:
Friday July 12, 2024:
A man has now been arrested in connection with a triple murder which happened on Tuesday evening (9 July).
A 26-year-old man from Enfield was arrested on Thursday evening (11 July) on suspicion of three counts of murder.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.
“The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”