The man suspected of murdering the BBC radio commentator’s family has been found, British police said

LONDON (AP) — British police said Wednesday they have found the man suspected of killing three women, the wife and daughters of a well-known BBC radio commentator, in a brutal crossbow attack near London.

In a statement, Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found in the Enfield area of ​​north London, near his home, and was receiving medical treatment for his injuries. Police did not say how those injuries occurred, but emphasized that no shots were fired.

The BBC confirmed that the women killed were family members of its commentator John Hunt – his wife Carol Hunt, 61, and their daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25.

Sky News footage showed the suspect being carried on a stretcher from Enfield’s Lavender Hill Cemetery, which is close to his home and about 52 kilometers (17 miles) east of the crime scene. Armed police officers, forensics staff and ambulance staff gathered around the cemetery throughout the day.

Members of the public were urged not to approach Clifford, who the BBC reported had been in the British Army for a short stint in 2022.

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

“This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the family of the victims and we would ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with what has happened,” she added.

Jenkins said the investigation is moving “at a pace” and formal identification of the victims has not yet taken place. She also said the “premature” naming of the victims “caused great upset”.

Police had searched a north London park near Clifford’s home after being alerted to the murders at a house in Bushey, a residential area in north-west London, on Tuesday. Police and ambulance crews tried to save them, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

John Hunt is the lead racing commentator for BBC 5 Live, the corporation’s flagship news and sport radio channel. His voice is known to millions through his coverage of the famous Grand National and The Derby.

Hunt colleague and BBC 5 Live main presenter Mark Chapman fought back tears as he expressed everyone’s shock and grief.

“We’ve got a football match to bring you tonight … and we’ll start preparing for it shortly, but this has been a heartbreaking day,” he said as he opened Wednesday’s coverage of England’s semi-final 5 Live against Holland in football. European championship.

“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 ,” Chapman said. “So on behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live Sport, our love, thoughts and support are with John and his family.”

The Daily Mail newspaper and others reported that Hunt found the bodies early Tuesday evening after returning home from reporting at Lingfield Park racecourse in south London.

Police have not said how or if Clifford was related to the women, but British media reported that he was the ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson suggested the attack was not random and the suspect knew the family.

Local councilor Laurence Brass, who lives nearby, described the area as “a typical leafy British suburb” as he recounted his experience the previous night.

“About eight o’clock last night I was watching football on TV, and suddenly a helicopter landed on the lawn outside my apartment, which is at the top of this road, and then my phone started ringing and I was told that it had there’s a major incident here in Bushey and we should all stay away because apparently there was someone on the run,” he told the BBC.

Britain’s new home secretary, Yvette Cooper, was kept “fully informed” of the “truly shocking” incident.

People in the UK do not need a license to own a crossbow, but it is illegal to carry one in public without a reasonable excuse.

A Home Office spokesman said Cooper would “rapidly consider” the findings of a recently released review to determine whether further controls should be introduced on crossbows.

Pan Pylas, The Associated Press