Crossbow killer suspect Kyle Clifford 'held family of BBC's John Hunt captive for hours'

Police officers investigating the murder of Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, reportedly believe that a crossbow-wielding suspect held them prisoner for hours before killing them.

Kyle Clifford, 26, was arrested a day later following a massive manhunt. Tragically, the three victims - BBC commentator John Hunt's wife and two daughters - are said to have called the police themselves from the family home after the attack.

Despite a large emergency services response, all three were ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. A vast hunt for their suspected killer was launched, spanning Hertfordshire and parts of North London.

Eventually, crossbow-wielding suspect Kyle Clifford, the ex-boyfriend of Louise Hunt, was cornered by police not far from his home in an Enfield cemetery, where he is believed to have inflicted a chest wound on himself, according to sources who spoke to the Daily Mail.

Clifford, was transferred to a hospital where he is said to be in a "serious" condition.

Heartbroken boyfriend of 28-year-old Hannah, Alex Klein, has shared a grief-stricken tribute after the attack, saying: "RIP the love of my life, I will never forget you, stolen from me too soon. The brightest light in my life. My brave queen for life. Until we meet again... I love you Hansy".

Reports on Thursday emerged that police believe the three women might have been held for hours - with Clifford using weapons to threaten them - before they were fatally attacked with a crossbow. They confirmed that a crossbow was later recovered at the scene of Clifford's arrest.

Police say they suspect Clifford was in the area for seven hours before the murders, but it is unclear how long he was in the house, after bursting in. He is thought to have returned to his car at one point.

They are probing whether it was a targeted 'revenge' attack. Louise had recently broken off her relationship with Clifford.

Carol's husband - BBC 5 Live horse racing commentator  John Hunt - is understood to have found her and his two daughters dying in the home in a cul-de-sac.

The 26-year-old suspect is said to have had a short military career. Clifford's former boss told The Sun: "Clifford joined the Army in 2019 and I was his Troop Commander from Basic Training. He struggled to grasp basic military concepts but managed to reach the standard to pass out from training."

"After passing out he joined the Household Cavalry Regiment but I'm unsure how his career developed from there. I hear he was working in private security so that would indicate that he is no longer in the military."

Officers have confirmed that they had no previous contact with Kyle Clifford or the three murder victims. Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "Our thoughts remain with the victims' family and loved ones at this devastating and indescribable time. They are being supported by specially trained officers."

"This was an unprecedented attack and we are determined to understand the full circumstances of what happened that evening and the events leading up to it. We are wholly committed to seeking justice for the victims and their family."

"This investigation, as I'm sure people can imagine, will take time. I'd like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the members of the public who contacted us yesterday and helped with our inquiries. We are still appealing for anyone with information in relation to the incident on Tuesday evening in Bushey and activity in Enfield yesterday that could assist us to please contact police directly."