A “CROSSBOW killer” has been arrested after a BBC star’s wife and two daughters were allegedly murdered at home.
A huge manhunt was launched for Kyle Clifford, 26, following the triple horror in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday night.
Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC star John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were allegedly tied up before being killed.
Clifford, who had previously dated Louise, was snared in a dramatic raid in a cemetery in his hometown of Enfield on Wednesday night.
The former private was rushed to a major trauma centre with suspected self-inflicted injuries but has now been formally arrested.
The horror unfolded at around 7pm on Tuesday as neighbours heard disturbing screams on the quiet residential street.
It is understood one of the victims managed to bravely ring police, while another sent a desperate last text to her partner urging them to dial 999.
Although some reports claimed the horrific scene was discovered by John, it is understood the BBC commentator was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
Armed police swooped on the street where the bodies of the three women were found inside the £800,000 suburban home.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing Clifford as the search for the alleged killer widened.
They confirmed the suspect, who served in the Queen‘s Dragoon Guards, may still be armed and issued a do not approach warning.
During the hunt, Clifford’s home in Enfield was raided and some schools nearby were put in lockdown.
Just after 4.30pm on Wednesday, gun cops and paramedics were seen rushing into Lavender Hill Cemetery just a few minutes’ walk away.
Dramatic footage showed Clifford being stretchered from the scene and taken by ambulance to Royal London Hospital.
Police confirmed no shots had been fired and nobody else was being sought over the triple tragedy.
As Clifford was being treated for suspected self-inflicted injuries, tragic details began to emerge.
It is understood dog groomer Louise had recently broken up with him around a week before the killings.
In a heartbreaking final post, she re-tweeted a quote that read: “I admire women who leave, idgaf if you left after the 1st time or the 12th time I admire s***!
“Idgaf if ppl calling you dumb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done. It takes A LOT of strength to break a tie. It takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self.”
Tributes have been flooding in for the sisters and their mum, who has another daughter who lives in Birmingham.
Su Kehinde, 60, who lives nearby, said: “They were the loveliest, gentlest family. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”
While her daughter April said Hannah, who worked as a beautician, “always had a smile”.
She added: “She was hard-working, a hard grafter and really gentle.”
John’s colleagues from the racing world also shared their condolences after the horror.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman choked up as he sent his “love and thoughts” to his fellow commentator and friend.
He said: “This has been a heartbreaking day.
“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries.
“On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
While BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght said: “Like everyone else I feel numb and sick on John’s behalf at such incomprehensible evil.
“Everyone who knows John knows he is the absolute archetypal family man, so proud of them, so it’s impossible to know what he can be going through.”
