Man Charged In Killings Of BBC Commentator’s Wife & Two Daughters – Update
UPDATE — September 17, 07:30 AM: A 26-year-old man has been charged with murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC commentator John Hunt.
Kyle Clifford from Enfield, North London, appeared this morning at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded into custody. Clifford was also charged with false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
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Clifford is accused of murdering Carol Hunt and her daughters Louise and Hannah in a crossbow attack at their home in Hertfordshire on July 9. The BBC reported this morning that the court was told that Louise and Hannah had been shot with a crossbow and their mother Carol had been stabbed with a knife and suffered multiple injuries.
A trial date has yet to be set.
PREVIOUS, July 10, 10:36 AM: A man wanted in the killings of the wife and two daughters of BBC commentator John Hunt has been found in North London, police confirmed.
Herts Police issued a statement: “Following an extensive search, Kyle Clifford, aged 26, was found in the Enfield area by officers this afternoon.
“He is receiving medical treatment having been found with injuries. No shots were fired by police.”
It is believed the suspect was known to the victims.
“Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time,” said Det Insp Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.
PREVIOUS, 7:13 AM: A manhunt is underway in the South of England to locate a man who is alleged to have killed the wife and two daughters of BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt.
Police told reporters during a news conference earlier today that the three women were allegedly killed in a crossbow attack by a suspect who has been named as Kyle Clifford, the ex-boyfriend of one of those killed. The three women are Hunt’s wife Carol Hunt and two of their daughters. The couple have a third daughter.
The incident took place last night in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and police were called around 7 p.m. GMT (11 a.m. PT) to Hunt’s home.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said that on arrival three women were found with serious injuries. “Sadly, despite our best efforts, the women died a short time later, at the scene” he said. “Our overarching objective today is to protect the public and locate Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women in what we believe is a targeted incident.”
Armed police and specialist search teams are responding “at pace,” Simpson added, as he urged members of the public not to approach Clifford but to dial 999. He also made a direct appeal to Clifford to contact them.
Hunt is a BBC horseracing commentator who has worked for BBC Radio 5 Live for many years.
In a note to staff reported by BBC News, BBC Radio Controller Heidi Dawson 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.”
Fellow racing commentator Matt Chapman posted on X: “No words needed for what has happened to Hunt and family today. Impossible to comprehend the pain.” Another racing commentator, Mike Vince, said Hunt “is, and always will be one of the best broadcasting professionals I have ever had the honour of working with.”
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