British police announced on Wednesday that they had apprehended the man believed to be responsible for the gruesome crossbow attack that resulted in the deaths of three women, who were identified as the wife and daughters of a prominent BBC radio commentator, near London.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed that 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was discovered in the Enfield area of north London, close to his residence, and is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. Although the nature of his injuries was not disclosed, authorities clarified that no shots were fired during the arrest.
The victims were identified as the family members of BBC commentator John Hunt, including his 61-year-old wife Carol Hunt, and their daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25. The suspect was seen being transported on a stretcher from Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, where he was located, surrounded by armed police officers, forensic experts, and ambulance personnel.
The public was advised to avoid approaching Clifford, who reportedly had a brief stint in the British Army in 2022, according to the BBC.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit stated, “Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time.”
“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,” Jenkins added.
She stated that the investigation is progressing rapidly, with the formal identification of the victims pending. Jenkins also criticized the premature release of the victims’ names, which had caused distress.
Authorities had been searching a park near Clifford’s home in north London following reports of the killings in a residence in Bushey, a neighborhood in northwestern London. Despite efforts by police and paramedics to save the victims, they were pronounced dead at the scene.
John Hunt is a well-known racing commentator for BBC 5 Live, the network’s primary news and sports radio station. His commentary is widely recognized, particularly for events like the Grand National and The Derby.
Mark Chapman, a colleague of Hunt’s and lead presenter on BBC 5 Live, struggled to contain his emotions as he addressed the tragic events. “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,” he said during the coverage of England’s semifinal match against The Netherlands in the European Championship.
Chapman expressed solidarity with Hunt and his family on behalf of the 5 Live Sport team, acknowledging Hunt’s contributions over the past two decades.
The Daily Mail and other sources reported that Hunt discovered the bodies upon returning home from Lingfield Park racecourse in South London on Tuesday evening.
Although the connection between Mr. Clifford and the victims was not disclosed, media outlets suggested that he was a former boyfriend of one of the daughters.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson indicated that the attack was targeted rather than random, implying that the suspect was acquainted with the family.
Local council member Laurence Brass described the area as a typical British suburb and recounted the helicopter landing and subsequent police activity that unfolded the night of the incident.
Britain’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper was briefed on the shocking incident, which has deeply affected the local community.
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