Suspect in John Hunt’s family killings has not spoken to police

A man suspected of killing three women in a crossbow attack has still not been questioned by police.

Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were found seriously injured at their home in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, just before 19:00 BST on Tuesday and died at the scene.

A manhunt was launched for Kyle Clifford, 26, who was found injured near a cemetery in north London on Wednesday and remains in hospital.

The victims were the wife and two daughters of BBC Racing commentator John Hunt and Mr Clifford is the ex-boyfriend of Louise Hunt.

Hertfordshire Police said in a statement that Mr Clifford was still receiving medical treatment in a London hospital.

“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.

“A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation”, it said.

The force said it was looking into whether there had been any “prior police contact between Hertfordshire Constabulary, Kyle Clifford and the victims”.

Det Supt 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.”

Police previously confirmed “no shots were fired” by officers as they captured Mr Clifford at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield.

Shocked fellow sports presenters have been posting about the “unimaginable horror that has been inflicted on John Hunt”.

A minute’s silence was held at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk on Thursday afternoon in memory of the victims.

In Bushey, more than 50 people attended a vigil at St James’s Church to pay their respects.

Sally Golding who knew Hannah Hunt as her beautician, said: “I felt I needed to come today.

“Hannah was just a really, really lovely bubbly person with a great personality. She was a sweet girl, a very happy little soul.”

Lea Holloway, a longstanding friend of Carol Hunt, was in tears as she left the church.

“I’ll miss Carol like crazy. There were four of us who were close friends, and we were pregnant at the same time,” she said.

“I can’t believe this has happened. It’s the thing nightmares are made of.

“I feel for their oldest daughter and John. I can’t imagine what it must feel like.”

Bouquets of flowers have been mounting at Ashlyn Close as neighbours of the Hunt family leave messages of condolence. “I wish none of this were real,” reads one.

“Rest in peace Carol, Hannah and Louise,” one of the cards reads, and another “This is heartbreaking”.

Luisa, 36, said she had been a client of Louise’s dog grooming business, Groom and Glow, for three years.

She added: “I hope they are remembered as wonderful, hardworking, kind women, rather than victims.”

Hannah Hunt’s colleagues at the Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett have expressed their “deep regret and sadness” over her death.

They said on social media that “she was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her”.

The post continued: “We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.

Tributes to the Hunt family and expressions of support from sports personalities and broadcasters have also been appearing on social media.

After Wednesday’s England victory in Euro24, the former England footballer Michael Owen posted on social media: “And while the country celebrates, spare a thought for John Hunt. I can’t remember feeling so utterly horrified in years.”

The football commentator Jacqui Oatley said: “I couldn’t/didn’t want to tweet about football yesterday due to the utter horror of hearing about John Hunt’s family.

“What a truly lovely, wonderful man he is. He has had so much support. He’ll need it.”

In a statement, the British Horseracing Authority said: “The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with John Hunt, his family and friends at this shocking and tragic time. It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event.”

Jockeys at Kempton Park Racecourse are wearing black armbands to show support, and Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk held a minute’s silence in memory of the victims.

The Sky commentator Mike Cattermole said it was “hard to comprehend and process the shock and disgust of what happened to John Hunt and his family.

“John lived for his girls, they were the world to him.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is urgently considering whether tougher crossbow laws are needed in the wake of the killings.

She will look at the findings of a Home Office review carried out earlier this year.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: “We keep legislation under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to look at whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.

“The Home Secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further.”