Triple murder suspect in serious condition and yet to be questioned by police

The suspect in the triple crossbow murder is still in a serious condition in hospital and has yet to be questioned by detectives, police have said.

Kyle Clifford, 26, who was wanted on suspicion of murdering three women at a house in Bushey, Hertfordshire, was located by officers on Wednesday afternoon following a huge manhunt.

He was taken to hospital with what are understood to be self-inflicted injuries.

The former soldier is suspected of killing Louise Hunt, his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend, her sister Hannah, 28, and their 61-year-old mother Carol with a crossbow at their home.

Police carried out a forensic search of Kyle Clifford’s family home in Enfield on Thursday, where neighbours described his parents as “lovely and law abiding people”.

Five senior search officers from Hertfordshire police were seen loading a van with crates of potential evidence that they had earlier removed from the modern terraced house. Included in the items was a stepladder.

The front garden at the house, a short walk from where Clifford was found severely injured on Wednesday afternoon, is tidy and landscaped, with a mature acacia tree obscuring the view from the street into the front room.

Neighbours expressed their shock at the turn of events. After posting a letter through the front door, a retired teacher who lives locally described Clifford’s mother and father as “very law abiding”.

He said: “This is so tragic because his parents are lovely genuine people. Kyle’s father often cuts my grass and checks in OK - they are good people and don’t deserve this.”

He added: “Some locals have been abusive to them since the incident, which is devastating.”

Crossbow recovered by police

Issuing an update on the fast-moving investigation, Hertfordshire Constabulary said Clifford remained in “a serious condition” in a London hospital and was yet to speak to officers. They also confirmed that a crossbow had been recovered as part of the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, of 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 the 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.”