British army veteran arrested for murder of BBC journalist's family
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The assailant has been identified as British Army veteran, Kyle Clifford, who police suspect had a connection with the victims.
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Armed police personnel patrol near London's Trafalgar Square on August 4, 2016. (AFP)
British army veteran Kyle Clifford, 26, was detained and taken to the hospital on Wednesday after being found in a North London cemetery following the murder of three women.
The victims were identified as Carol Hunt, 61, and her two daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt. They were found seriously injured in their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire at approximately 19:00 on Tuesday after police were contacted. They shortly passed away at the scene.
Carol Hunt was found with a crossbow through her chest in the house's hallway while evidence of ligatures was discovered near the victims, The Guardian reported, citing sources. One of the victims is believed to have texted her partner, urging them to contact the police.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire police told reporters the police suspect that Clifford had a connection to the victims, describing the crime as "targeted."
Secretary of State for the Home Department Yvette Cooper wrote on X that the murders were "truly shocking," adding she is being kept updated on developments.
The loss of three women’s lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those who have been killed & with the community.
— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) July 10, 2024
I am being kept fully updated. I urge people to support @HertsPolice with any information about this case.
"We have a football match to bring you tonight ... and we will start our buildup to it shortly but this has been a heartbreaking day," BBC 5 Live's lead presenter and Hunt's fellow commentator Mark Chapman said, expressing his emotions on Wednesday night's European Championship semi-finals.
"They were the loveliest, gentlest family. They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this," Su Kehinde, a nearby neighbor said. "They were beautiful souls."
