Bushey crossbow attack: Suspect in a ‘serious condition’ as police give update

We are now closing this live blog. To wrap up, here is how the second day has unfolded:

Kyle Clifford, who was found by police yesterday after an extensive manhunt, is in a serious condition in hospital.

A crossbow has been found, and Hertfordshire Police confirmed they had no contact with Clifford or the family before the incident,

Home Security Yvette Cooper said reviewing crossbow laws would become a ‘real priority’.

John Hunt’s long time colleague Richard Hoiles paid a moving tribute to the victims, saying: ‘It’s impossible to rationalise such a pointless, terrible and heinous act in modern day society.’

Sir Keir Starmer has called the murders ‘awful’, promising the Government will look into new laws.

He said: ‘First let me just say how awful this is in relation to crossbows.

‘The Home Secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation.

‘There was no getting away from just how awful this is.’

Search officers have retrieved what appeared to be two computer hard drives and two document bags from the house in Enfield.

Two officers had to carry one of the hard drives, while another three members of staff bundled the other evidence into a van.

Speaking to the Telegraph at the home of Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend Alex Klein, a woman said: ‘My family are all devastated.

‘We are in mourning, and we need space to grieve for the loss of Carol, Hannah and Louise. This has been truly terrible for all of us.’

Alex Klein, who was in a relationship with beautician Hannah Hunt, 28, posted a photo of them together on Instagram with the caption: ‘RIP the love of my life, I will never forget you, stolen from me too soon.’

He added: ‘The brightest light in my life. My brave queen for life. Until we meet again… I love you Hansy.’

More flowers and tributes have been laid at the police cordon in Ashlyn Close, Bushey.

One message reads: ‘RIP three beautiful ladies. John, thinking of you and your family at this very sad and unfortunate time.’

An image of a dog had been placed on a card, alongside a note that says ‘RIP Louise. Reggie says thank you for making him look so handsome. RIP Carol and Hannah.’

Another says: ‘Louise, Hannah and Carol. The strongest women to ever exist. You’ll always be remembered. I wish I could continue doing life with you Louise my beautiful girlie. I’ll miss you forever.’

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family and loved ones at this devastating and indescribable time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

‘This was an unprecedented attack and we are determined to understand the full circumstances of what happened that evening and the events leading up to it. We are wholly committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family.

‘This investigation, as I’m sure people can imagine, will take time. I’d like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the members of public who contacted us yesterday and helped with our enquiries. We are still appealing for anyone with information in relation to the incident on Tuesday evening in Bushey and activity in Enfield yesterday that could assist us to please contact police directly.

‘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.

‘Local officers will remain in the area today so please do speak to them if you need to.’

A Herfordshire Police spokesperson said: ‘Enquiries continue today and as part of this, we have explored if there was any prior police contact between Hertfordshire Constabulary, Kyle Clifford and the victims.

‘We can confirm there had been no previous reports made to police.’

Bushey triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford is in a ‘serious condition’ in hospital and has yet to speak with officers, Hertfordshire Police said.

In an update on Thursday afternoon the force revealed officers have recovered a crossbow.

ITV racing commentator Richard Hoiles fought back the tears with a brave, emotional tribute to his colleague John Hunt whose wife and two daughters were killed on Wednesday.

The world of racing and sport at large has united to rally around the popular Hunt who has also been a staple part of the BBC’s Olympic coverage over the course of a distinguished career.

Hoiles, a long-time colleague of Hunt’s, speaking from this afternoon’s meet at Newmarket, said: ‘It’s impossible to rationalise such a pointless, terrible and heinous act in modern day society.

‘I’ve known John for 30 years, we’ve started out together and during that time he’s become one of the most liked and respected members of the press room.

‘Respected because of his fantastic ability, not just in racing but in other sports such as swimming for the BBC in the Olympics.

‘And liked because of his easy going personality, he is excellent company. If you spend even a moment in his company the odds are the talk will turn to family.’

Remarkably managing to keep his composure, Hoiles added: ‘There’s plenty of people in the press room, I have no idea of their family but we all felt we knew Carole and the girls possibly far better than we actually did.

‘There was a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20 odd years ago we’d all retired to the local pub and out would come pictures from John’s wallet of the girls at primary school who he’d share with random bar staff and anyone else who would care to listen.

‘In the helter skelter of modern life it’s quite easy to lose track of the things we hold dear but John never has.

‘I know I hugged my kids tighter last night leaving for here, knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press rooms greatest friends.

‘Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family are held which will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today.’

Three close friends of Carol Hunt have said they are ‘together in grief’ after she was killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey.

Dionne Smith, 58, Abigail Phillips, 58 and Lea Holloway, 60, told a press gathering outside St James’ Church on Thursday: ‘She was a lovely, lovely person. We can’t believe what happened.

‘We were a four, and now there’s only three. It doesn’t seem real. We are together in grief.’

Lea Holloway, a friend of Carol Hunt, said she feels for the husband and elder daughter of the Bushey crossbow attack victim.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday, she said: ‘They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.

‘They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It’s the thing of nightmares.

‘I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.’

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was killed with two of her daughters in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a ‘beautiful person’.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.

Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: ‘We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

‘I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.

‘It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.’

The Rector of Bushey, who is hosting a vigil at St James’ Church on Thursday morning, said the deaths of three women has brought the community together as ‘one big family’.

Father David Stevenson said: ‘Today is very much about supporting the community.

‘This might sound strange but (this tragedy) has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing.

‘We realise that we are just one big family.’

Colleagues of John Hunt have said they are ‘heartbroken’ for the BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator after three members of his family were killed in a crossbow attack.

Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, journalist Mike Williams interrupted his sports update to speak about Mr Hunt’s loss.

He said: ‘Can I just echo your words from (Zoe) earlier in the show by sending all love, condolences and support to our much-loved BBC Sport colleague John Hunt after the unspeakable tragedy concerning his family that was in the news yesterday.

‘John is a wonderful man and we of course send him all our love.’

Ball said earlier: ‘I must say, everyone at the BBC (is) heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt. Mark Chapman, his friend, paid (an) emotional tribute yesterday on BBC (Radio) 5 Live – we are holding you in our heart, John.’

On Wednesday, before England beat the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, Radio 5 Live commentator Chapman appeared to break down on air.

He said: ‘Good evening from Germany, we have a football match to bring you tonight and we will do, and we will start our build-up to it shortly.

‘But this has been a heartbreaking day. John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live Sport team, but 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. So on behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support our with John and his family.’

Sharing the clip of Chapman’s emotional speech, former BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker wrote on X: ‘The football was amazing last night and we are so blessed to have brilliant commentators in the UK.

‘John Hunt is one of the best and his world was ripped apart yesterday when his wife and daughters were murdered.

‘Mark Chapman knows himself how brutal life can be at times. Give yourself a moment to listen to how he introduced the football after the news about his colleague and friend had just been reported in the bulletin before he started.’

Chapman’s wife Sara died in 2020 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford’s former employer has said they have had no further communication with him since he left the company in July last year.

Fire and security installation company Amthal, based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, said in a statement: ‘Kyle Clifford was employed from February 22, 2023, to July 20, 2023.

‘Since he departed from Amthal in July 2023, we have had no further communication with Mr Clifford.’

The colleagues of Bushey crossbow murder victim Hannah Hunt have paid tribute to the ‘fantastic therapist’.

In a post on Facebook, The Anti-Ageing Clinic based in Radlett, Hertfordshire, said it was with ‘deep regret and sadness’ that they learned of the ‘horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah’.

The tribute continued: ‘She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her.

‘We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.

‘She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.’

Further searches have taken place at a house in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, on Thursday morning in relation to the deaths of three women in Bushey.

Police staff wearing gloves and face masks were seen outside the property which was first searched on Wednesday.

Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford is thought to have left the British Army in 2022.

According to the Daily Mail, previously served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards for a short time before dropping out having failed to impress superiors.

A former army boss has now told The Sun Clifford was ‘immature for his age and had a bit of a chip on his shoulder’.

He added: ‘He struggled to grasp basic military concepts but managed to reach the standard to pass out from training.

‘After passing out he joined the Household Cavalry Regiment but I’m unsure how his career developed from there. I hear he was working in private security so would indicate that he is no longer in the military.’