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Man suspected of murdering three women with crossbow in UK found by police

Kyle Clifford, 26, who is suspected of murdering three women, has been located by police
Kyle Clifford, 26, who is suspected of murdering three women, has been located by police

A search for a man suspected of murdering three women in a crossbow attack in the UK has been stood down after he was found by police.

Armed police officers and ambulance staff had swarmed a cemetery close to where a house was searched as part of a manhunt for 26-year-old suspect Kyle Clifford.

The cemetery was closed off and an air ambulance seen nearby.

This evening, Hertfordshire Police confirmed Mr Clifford had been located.

They said he was receiving medical treatment after being found with injuries in the Enfield area of London.

No shots were fired by police, they said.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police speaks to media outside Hatfield Police Station

Mr Clifford was wanted in connection with the deaths of Carol Hunt, wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, and their two daughters Hannah and Louise in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

As part of a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff, the BBC said it would provide Mr Hunt with "all the support we can" after the killings of Carol Hunt and her two daughters.

Police said they believed the suspect was known to the victims.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "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.

"This investigation is moving at pace and formal identification of the victims is yet to take place.

"The premature naming of potential victims has caused great upset to the family when they should’ve been given the space to come to terms with their sudden loss.

"Following extensive enquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time."

Police and emergency crews were called to the property yesterday evening

In a press conference earlier, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire Police told reporters the murders were believed to be "targeted".

In a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff after the deaths, the broadcaster said: "The news today about John Hunt's family is utterly devastating.

"Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can."

The force said it is looking at whether it had contact with the victims or Mr Clifford before the killings.

One neighbour described hearing screams from the suburban home where the three women died yesterday.

The 46-year-old who works in the media and lives near the scene but asked not to be named, said "absolute chaos" then broke out as armed police put the road into lockdown.

She said: "It was between 6.30pm and 7pm last night and it literally just sounded like kids, somebody screaming, and then it was more shrill and I was like 'that's definitely a woman screaming', and within 15 minutes, it was absolute chaos.

"We had armed police running down, screaming 'stay in your house'... they shut us off and basically put us into lockdown."

Police at the scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she is being kept fully updated about the inquiry into the "truly shocking" deaths.

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."

Messages of condolence were posted on social media by figures from the racing world.

In a post on X, ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman said: "No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today.

"Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you."

The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain and Beverley Racecourse were among others sending their sympathies.