By Katy Prickett & James Hore, BBC News, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Police
Three women killed in a Hertfordshire home were the wife and two daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, it has been confirmed.
Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were found seriously injured at a home in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, just before 19:00 BST on Tuesday, and all died at the scene.
A search is under way to find Kyle Clifford, 26, from the Enfield area, who is wanted in connection with the deaths. He is believed to be in Hertfordshire or north London and in possession of a crossbow.
Ch Supt Jon Simpson told a press conference at Hatfield police station that the deaths were being treated as murders, no arrests had been made at this stage and “other weapons may also have been used”.
Mr Clifford left the British army after a short period of service in 2022, the BBC understands.
Supplied
Louise Hunt
Hannah Hunt
Ch Supt Simpson told reporters: “Our overarching objective today is to protect public safety and to locate Kyle Clifford who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women in what we believe is a targeted incident.”
He then directly appealed to Mr Clifford.
“Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police via 999.”
Extensive resources have been deployed across north London and the Bushey area.
Armed police and specialist search teams are involved in the manhunt which is “responding at pace in the wake of what has been a horrific incident”, he added.
Det Supt Rob Hall earlier said: “Whilst we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively seeking Kyle Clifford who we believe could be in the areas of Hertfordshire or north London.
- Live updates: Police seek man following deaths of three women
- Manhunt: What do we know about deadly crossbow attack?
“Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately.
“If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon.”
He also appealed for anyone who was in the area of Ashlyn Close between lunchtime and 19:00 on Tuesday, and who may have something to assist the investigation, to get in touch.
Local councillor Louise Nicolas wrote in a post on Facebook that she was “deeply saddened to learn this morning of the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident”.
“Should anyone wish to speak with us or require any support please do not hesitate to get in touch,” said Ms Nicolas, a Liberal Democrat who represents the North Bushey ward on Hertsmere Borough Council.
“It goes without saying that this is a live investigation, so speculation as to the circumstances should not be entered into [on public forums].”
