Suspected ‘crossbow killer’ Kyle Clifford in hospital after being found in Enfield cemetery

Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford remained hospitalized on Thursday after being found in a cemetery following a huge manhunt in north London.

Kyle Clifford, 26, was wanted in connection with the crossbow murders of Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah , 28, and Louise, 25.

He was found with injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday afternoon and was taken to a major trauma center for treatment.

Police confirmed no shots were fired by officers and said no arrests have yet been made.

Sky News footage appears to show Clifford being removed from the cemetery by paramedics.

Armed police swarmed the area earlier, with an air ambulance seen nearby.

A manhunt has been launched after the three women were found fatally injured in a house in the quiet cul-de-sac of Ashlyn Close, in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday.

Neighbors recalled hearing screams on Tuesday night as the “traumatic” incident unfolded.

In a press conference before Clifford was located, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police told reporters the killings were believed to be “targeted”.

During the manhunt for the suspect, who is understood to have left the Army in 2022 after a short stint, forces said they believed he may have been armed with a crossbow and warned members of the public not to approach him.

He was believed to be known to the victims.

In a note to BBC 5 Live staff following the death, the broadcaster said: “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is absolutely devastating.

“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will offer all the support we can.”

Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman also paid an emotional tribute at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show.

Speaking through tears, he said: “It’s been a heartbreaking day.

“John Hunt is our colleague and friend, not just to the current 5 Live sports team, but to everyone who has worked here with him over the last 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentary .

“On behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live sport, our love, thoughts and support are with John and his family.”

BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “Like everyone else, I feel numb and sick on behalf of John at such incomprehensible harm.

“Everyone who knows John knows he’s the archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it’s impossible to know what he might be going through.”

Neighbors laying flowers at the scene in Bushey on Wednesday described the family as “beautiful souls”.

A friend of Louise Hunt, who knew her from school, told BBC News she was “always a positive person” and could not think of “one bad thing to say about her”.

Neighbor Su Kehinde, 60, who laid flowers at a makeshift tribute in the area on Wednesday, said: “They were the most beautiful and gentle family.

“They were the gentlest human beings. They didn’t deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”

Her daughter April, 32, said Hannah “always had a smile” and was “hardworking, hardworking and really kind”.

Glyn Nicholas, 77, who has lived in the same road as the victims for 50 years, said: “They were a private family, all very nice.

“Louise started a business a few years ago and it’s been a booming business – we’ve all taken our dogs there to be groomed.”

The Home Secretary is urgently considering whether tougher crossbow laws are needed following the killings.

Yvette Cooper will discuss the findings of a Home Office review carried out earlier this year.

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

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