Kyle Clifford: Triple murder suspect with crossbow found in cemetery after police manhunt

Kyle Clifford, the suspect in a horrific crossbow massacre in which three women were killed, has been found in a graveyard yards from his home in Enfield, police have confirmed.

Police said the suspect was found this afternoon and is currently receiving medical attention after being found with injuries. Armed officers and a specialist sniffer dog tracked the 26-year-old after searching a cemetery near Rendlesham Road in Enfield, north London.

Clifford had been hiding from the police in a nearby church, according to local man Adam, who claimed: “He hid there all day and then he came here. He was well known here and actually got kicked out of school for carrying a knife.”

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “Following extensive inquiries the suspect has been located and no one else is wanted in connection with the investigation at this time.

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“We have had an overwhelming number of calls and would like to express our gratitude to members of the public who have contacted us. We would further appeal for anyone with information or footage to contact the police directly and refrain from commenting on social media as this could affect the development of the case.”

A London Ambulance spokesman said: “London Ambulance and Air Ambulance crews attended an incident at Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, this afternoon (Tuesday 10). We treated a man at the scene and took him to a major trauma centre.”

Meanwhile, a local mother-of-two told the Mirror: “Armed police have been here since around 2.30pm today – it’s terrifying. I am pleased that schools in Enfield have been closed for the day and after school clubs for children have all been cancelled.”

Clifford was the subject of a huge manhunt across Herdfordshire and north London after three women were found dead in their Hertfordshire home in a horrific crossbow attack. The victims were later named as Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25 – the wife and daughters of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt.

Mr Hunt is understood to have been working for BBC racing on Tuesday and returned home to find his wife and two daughters fatally injured. Police were called to the property in Ashlyn Close, North Bushey, near Watford, just before 7pm that day.

Officers arrived at the scene in ambulances – including two air ambulances – to find the three had suffered serious injuries. The three women were alive when they were discovered, but despite the best efforts of paramedics, they all tragically died at the scene a short time later.

CCTV footage later emerged of Clifford fleeing the area with a 3ft crossbow tucked under his right arm as he got into a vehicle and drove off. The same car was found abandoned earlier in Enfield.

Clifford, 26, from Enfield, north London, has been the subject of a huge manhunt in areas of Hertfordshire and north London where officers believe he went into hiding following the murders. According to Sky News, Clifford worked as a private security guard.

Two helicopters were seen near Clifford’s home in Enfield, flying over Hilly Fields park opposite his residence, while a nearby primary school kept its pupils closed as a precaution as the search continued.

Earlier today, Chief Inspector Jon Simpson said last night’s attack in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, was a “targeted incident” and Clifford, 26, was “wanted in connection with the murder”.

He said: “Our overall aim today is to protect public safety and find Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with the murders of the three women in what we believe is a targeted incident. We have extensive police resources deployed in various locations across North London and also in the Bushey area.

“The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding in quick succession following what has been a horrific incident involving what is currently believed to be a crossbow but may have been other weapons were also used.”

Addressing Clifford directly, he said: “Kyle, if you see or hear this, please contact the police.”

Meanwhile, members of the public were warned not to approach the 26-year-old, who was believed to be armed with a crossbow and other weapons.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said earlier today: “While we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively looking for Kyle Clifford who we believe may be in areas of Hertfordshire or north London. .

“Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact the police immediately. If you think you see him, please stay away from him and call 999 immediately. He may still be in possession of a weapon.

“Our inquiries will continue over the coming days to establish the full circumstances of what happened but I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who was in the area around Ashlyn Close from Tuesday lunchtime to 7:00 p.m. and think we may have seen something that could help the investigation, please contact us.

“This incident will, of course, concern local residents. Officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team will be in the area today so please speak to them if you need to.”

The BBC said in a note to its 5 Live staff: “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.”

TV racing commentator Matt Chapman tweeted: “No words needed for what happened to @HuntyCaller and family today. It is impossible to understand the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you my friend – racing loves you.”

Hunt’s daughter Louise launched a dog grooming service during the Covid lockdown called Groom and Glow, while her sister Hannah ran a beauty business, MyLondon reported.

A heartbreaking tribute to Louise on social media said: “No words can describe the loss I feel after today’s terrible news. You were so loved and Scooby adored you…you built an amazing business and were always so kind and gentle. May you RIP with your sister and mother xxx.”

The murders also sent shockwaves through the Bushey community as residents were seen leaving flowers at the scene today following the tragic news.