Man suspected of killing the family of BBC radio commentator has been found, British police say

British police have found the man suspected of killing a mother and two daughters near London in a brutal crossbow attack.

Three women — aged 25, 28 and 61 — were found seriously injured in a house in Bushey, north-west of London, on Tuesday evening, local time. 

Emergency crews tried to save the trio, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

On Wednesday, Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found in the Enfield area of north London, near his home, following a manhunt.

They said Mr Clifford was undergoing medical treatment but did not specify the nature of his injuries, while confirming that no shots were fired

“Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time,” Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins 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.”

Inspector Jenkins added the investigation is moving “at pace” and that formal identification of the victims is yet to take place.

Police earlier said the incident had involved a crossbow and other weapons, with armed police officers and specialist search teams deployed to search for the suspect.

The victims were reported to be family members of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt — his wife Carol, 61, and the couple’s daughters Louise and Hannah, aged 25 and 28 respectively.

British media reported Hunt found the victims early on Tuesday evening after returning home from reporting at Lingfield Park racecourse, which is just south of London.

Hunt’s voice is known to millions through his coverage of the world-famous Grand National and The Derby.

Police did not say how or whether Mr Clifford, who is from London, was connected to the women, but British media had reported he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters. Police have also suggested the attack was not random and that the suspect knew the family. 

According to BBC reports, the 26-year-old left the British Army after a brief period of service in 2022.

Britain’s new home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said she was being kept “fully updated” about the developing situation.

“The loss of three women’s lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those who have been killed & with the community,” she wrote on X.

Police have not yet confirmed an arrest and no charges have been laid against Mr Clifford. 

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

A spokesperson for the Home Office said Ms Cooper will “swiftly consider” the findings from a recently launched review into whether further controls on crossbows should be introduced.

AP