Police investigating the murders of the wife and two of the daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt say they have recovered a crossbow.
Following an extensive manhunt, armed police found suspect Kyle Clifford in Enfield, north London, on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old is still in hospital being treated for serious injuries, Hertfordshire Constabulary say.
Clifford’s older brother, Bradley, is serving a 23-year prison sentence for murder, after he ran over and killed a moped driver who threw a bottle at his Ford Mustang.
Police searching a house in Enfield linked to Bradley Clifford have seized what appeared to be two computer hard drives and two document bags.
Carol Hunt, 61, along with Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were described by devastated friends and neighbours as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family” after they were discovered with fatal wounds at their home in Bushey.
During the manhunt, police warned the public not to approach him.
Contact The Independent newsroom at Amy-Clare.Martin@independent.co.uk
Key Points
- Police waiting to interview suspect Kyle Clifford find crossbow
- Police searching house linked to Clifford’s jailed brother seize computer hard drives
- This is the stuff of nightmares, says mother’s childhood friend
- Colleagues send love and condolences to BBC commentator
Carol Hunt was sweetest person you could meet, says friend
01:15
Jane Dalton
A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a “beautiful person”.
Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.
Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
“I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.
“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”
Kyle Clifford 'served briefly in Queen’s Dragoon Guards’
Friday 12 July 2024 00:15
Jane Dalton
Suspect Kyle Clifford served briefly in the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.
According to the Mail Online, he served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards for a short time before dropping out.
The British Army website states that the regiment has specialised in reconnaissance since its formation in 1685.
Watch: Police search house linked to suspect’s brother
Thursday 11 July 2024 23:15
Jane Dalton
Hannah was fantastic therapist, say colleagues
Thursday 11 July 2024 22:22
Jane Dalton
Colleagues of Hannah Hunt at the Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett, Hertfordshire, said it was with “deep regret and sadness” that they learnt of the “horrific” murder of their skin therapist Hannah.
The Facebook post added: “She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her.
“We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.
“She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.”
Grief washes over quiet, leafy Bushey
Thursday 11 July 2024 21:30
Jane Dalton
Louise Hunt’s final social media repost praised ‘women who leave’
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:45
Jane Dalton
The final tweet shared on Louise Hunt’s X account praised “women who leave”.
I admire women who leave. idgaf if you left after the 1st time or the 12th time I admire that shit! idgaf if ppl was calling you dümb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done. it takes ALOT of strength to break a tie. it takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self
— d$ (@Flexxprincee) July 3, 2024
Crossbows ban will not stop men intent on harming women, campaigners warn
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:15
Jane Dalton
A misogynistic culture at the root of violence against women and girls must be addressed, a domestic abuse charity has said, in the wake of the crossbow killings of a mother and two of her daughters.
Refuge said while it welcomed the government’s urgent consideration of whether tougher crossbow laws were needed, the danger from such crimes stemmed from the perpetrator rather than the tools they used.
The End Violence Against Women Coalition echoed this, warning that “quick-fix” measures such as banning a weapon would not stop men intent on harming women.
Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford is understood to have been the ex-partner of Louise Hunt.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed that the most common suspect for female homicide victims aged 16 and above was their partner or ex-partner. The statistics, using the term homicide to cover manslaughter as well as murder, showed that in the year ending March 2023 in England and Wales, almost half (45%) of all adult female homicide victims were killed in a domestic incident.
Earlier this year The Independent revealed at least 350 women had been killed by a man since the murder of Sarah Everard – the equivalent of one woman dying every three days.
Colleagues send love and condolences to BBC commentator
Thursday 11 July 2024 19:35
Jane Dalton
Colleagues of John Hunt say they are heartbroken for the BBC Radio 5 Live racing commentator after the crossbow murders.
Journalist Mike Williams interrupted his sports update on BBC Radio 2’s The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, to speak about Mr Hunt’s loss.
He said: “Can I just echo your words from (Zoe) earlier in the show by sending all love, condolences and support to our much-loved BBC Sport colleague John Hunt after the unspeakable tragedy concerning his family that was in the news yesterday.
“John is a wonderful man and we of course send him all our love.”
Ball said earlier: “I must say, everyone at the BBC (is) heartbroken and deeply shocked at the news.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with John Hunt. Mark Chapman, his friend, paid (an) emotional tribute yesterday on BBC (Radio) 5 Live – we are holding you in our heart, John.”
Police on guard at cemetery
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:55
Jane Dalton
Police officers on Thursday were again stationed outside Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London, where triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, was found with injuries.
How easy is it to buy a crossbow online?
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:25
Jane Dalton
Deadly crossbows can be easily bought online for as little as £50, writes Jabed Ahmed:
Detectives say they are determined to understand what led to murders
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:01
Jane Dalton
Police say they are determined to understand what led to the murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at their Bushey home.
Officers have confirmed they had 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.
“This investigation, as I’m sure people can imagine, will take time.
“I’d like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the members of public who contacted us yesterday and helped with our inquiries.”
Watch: Rector’s church sermon
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:31
Jane Dalton
Crossbow murders awful, says Starmer
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:00
Jane Dalton
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded the murders “awful”.
“First let me just say how awful this is in relation to crossbows,” he said.
“The Home Secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation. There was no getting away from just how awful this is.”
Police seize computer hard drives
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:43
Jane Dalton
Search officers have retrieved what appeared to be two computer hard drives and two document bags from the house in Enfield believed to be linked to Kyle Clifford’s brother.
Two officers had to carry one of the hard drives, while another three members of staff bundled the other evidence into a van.
Police have been searching the house in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, since Wednesday.
‘Wonderful’ that tragedy has brought community together, says rector
Thursday 11 July 2024 16:15
Jane Dalton
The Rector of Bushey, who hosted a church vigil for the three victims, said their deaths had brought the community together as “one big family”.
Father David Stevenson said: “Today is very much about supporting the community.
“This might sound strange but [this tragedy] has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing.
“We realise that we are just one big family,” he told PA.
Suspect too ill to be questioned
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:48
Jane Dalton
Police have not yet been able to question suspect Kyle Clifford because he is too ill, they say.
“The suspect of a triple murder in Bushey continues to receive medical treatment in a London hospital,” Hertfordshire police said.
“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon (10 July) following a police manhunt.
“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.”
Online fundraisers launched
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:42
Jane Dalton
Two fundraising efforts have been launched for John Hunt, who lost his wife and two of his three daughters in the Bushey murders.
A JustGiving drive had raised £1,823 by mid-afternoon on Thursday, while a GoFundMe effort had raised £155.
Police find crossbow
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:29
Jane Dalton
Police investigating the three murders say they have found a crossbow.
“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon following a police manhunt,” Herts police said.
“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.
“A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.”
This is the stuff of nightmares, says mother’s childhood friend
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:10
Jane Dalton
A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of the three women killed, has described her as a “beautiful person”.
Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.
Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
“I was there the night she met John (Hunt). It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.
“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”
She said she felt for John Hunt and the elder daughter of the family.
“They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls,” she said.
“They were making their way through life and their lives have been taken too soon. It’s the thing of nightmares.
“I feel for their eldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.”
‘I wish I could continue doing life with you'
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:55
Jane Dalton
More flowers and tributes have been laid at the police cordon near the home of the murdered women in Bushey.
One message reads: “RIP three beautiful ladies. John, thinking of you and your family at this very sad and unfortunate time.”
An image of a dog had been placed on a card, alongside a note that says “RIP Louise. Reggie says thank you for making him look so handsome. RIP Carol and Hannah.”
Another says: “Louise, Hannah and Carol. The strongest women to ever exist. You’ll always be remembered. I wish I could continue doing life with you Louise my beautiful girlie. I’ll miss you forever.”
Police search house linked to Clifford’s jailed brother
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:40
Jane Dalton
Police have been again searching a house linked to Kyle Clifford’s brother, Bradley Clifford, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of a moped passenger in 2018.
According to the Metropolitan Police, at the time of the murder, Bradley Clifford had targeted the moped before crashing into it, and continued to assault the passenger, Soban Khan, after the collision.
Officers were seen at the address in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, north London, in relation to the deaths of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt.
Police staff wearing gloves and face masks were seen outside the property, which was first searched on Wednesday.
In pictures: Church vigil
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:21
Jane Dalton
A service and vigil were held at St James’s Church in Bushey, following the deaths of Carol Hunt, 61, the wife of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25.
Academy mourns ex-pupils
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:56
Jane Dalton
Leaders at the school attended by the two young women killed have paid tribute to their former pupils and their mother, saying they will always have “a place in their heart”.
Hannah and Louise Hunt attended Loreto College, Roman Catholic comprehensive academy in St Albans, Herts.
The college wrote on social media: “Today we are mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah & Louise, along with their mother, Carol. We extend our thoughts & prayers to the family during this most difficult time.
“As a Loreto Community, they will always hold a place in our heart. May they rest in peace.”
Today we are mourning the loss of two of our ex-students, Hannah & Louise, along with their mother, Carol. We extend our thoughts & prayers to the family during this most difficult time. As a Loreto Community, they will always hold a place in our heart.
— Loreto College (@LoretoStAlbans) July 11, 2024
May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/hJk7JWwIfi
Tributes to ‘loveliest, gentlest’ wife and daughters of BBC star after crossbow killings
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:15
Joe Middleton
Emotional tributes have been paid to a mother and her two daughters killed in a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire, with friends, neighbours and colleagues describing them as the “loveliest, gentlest” family.
Shocked residents left flowers at the scene in Ashlyn Close as they spoke of their horror, paying tribute to the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt as “the most gentle, beautiful family”, who is understood to have a third daughter.
Carol Hunt, 61, along with Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, was discovered with fatal wounds at their home in Bushey on Tuesday, with 26-year-old suspect Kyle Clifford tracked down by police in Enfield the following evening after an extensive manhunt.
Andy Gregory reports.
Security minister Dan Jarvis discusses crossbow laws after triple murder in Bushey
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:02
Andy Gregory
Friend of Carol Hunt says she was ‘sweetest person you could ever meet'
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:47
Andy Gregory
A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, who was one of three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a “beautiful person”.
Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Mrs Hunt since she was 16.
Speaking outside St James’ Church on Thursday after a vigil for Mrs Hunt and her daughters, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.
“I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.
“It’s very difficult. She was the nicest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A beautiful person.”
Kyle Clifford worked at fire and security installation company until July 2023
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:29
Andy Gregory
Triple-murder suspect Kyle Clifford’s former employer has said they have had no further communication with him since he left the company in July last year.
Fire and security installation company Amthal, based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, said in a statement: “Kyle Clifford was employed from February 22, 2023 to July 20, 2023.
Since he departed from Amthal in July 2023, we have had no further communication with Mr Clifford.”
Mark Chapman opens BBC Radio 5 Live coverage of England’s semi-final with tearful message to John Hunt
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:15
Andy Gregory
BBC Radio 5 Live's Mark Chapman opened his coverage of England's semi-final by paying a tearful tribute to his colleague John Hunt.
Bushey community ‘one big family’, says rector
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:26
Andy Gregory
The Rector of Bushey, who was hosting a vigil at St James’ Church this morning, said the deaths of three women has brought the community together as “one big family”.
Father David Stevenson said: “Today is very much about supporting the community.
“This might sound strange but [this tragedy] has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing. We realise that we are just one big family.”
Further police searches at address in Enfield
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:00
Andy Gregory
Further searches have taken place at a house in Rendlesham Road in Enfield this morning.
Police staff wearing gloves and face masks were seen outside the property, which was first searched on Wednesday.
Hannah Hunt’s colleagues say she was loved by customers
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:36
Andy Gregory
Hannah Hunt’s colleagues have paid tribute to her as a “fantastic” therapist whose clients loved her.
In a post on Facebook, staff at the Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett said: “It is with deep regret and sadness of the horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah.
“She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her. We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.
“She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time.”
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter chokes up as he sends ‘love and thoughts’ to John Hunt
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:22
Andy Gregory
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman choked up as he sent his “love and thoughts” to his fellow commentator and friend John Hunt at the start of the Euro 2024 pre-match show.
“This has been a heartbreaking day,” he told listerners. “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.”
The football was amazing last night and we are so blessed to have brilliant commentators in the UK.
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) July 11, 2024
John Hunt is one of the best and his world was ripped apart yesterday when his wife and daughters were murdered.
Mark Chapman knows himself how brutal life can be at times. Give… pic.twitter.com/KHAtmdLkNb
Neighbours and friends describe Hunt family as ‘beautiful souls'
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:58
Andy Gregory
Neighbours and friends of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt have described them as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family”, as well-wishers laid flowers by the police cordon in Ashlyn Close.
A friend of Louise Hunt, who knew her from their time at school, said she was “always a positive person” and that he could not think of “anything bad to say about her”.
In an interview with BBC News, he said: “I knew Louise back from school days and she was really sweet, very kind, always a positive person. I can’t think of anything bad to say about her – a really lovely person all round, a super hard-working person.”
Neighbour Su Kehinde, 60, who laid flowers at a makeshift tribute in the area on Wednesday, said: “They were the loveliest, gentlest family. They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.”
Her daughter April, aged 32, said that Hannah “always had a smile” and was “hard-working, a hard grafter and really gentle”.
Glyn Nicholas, 77, who has lived on the same road as the victims for 50 years, said: “They were a private family, all very nice, a private family. They all did their own things. Louise started a business a couple of years ago, and it was a thriving business – we all took our dogs there to be groomed.”
Police officers still on patrol outside cemetery where suspect found
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:47
Andy Gregory
Police officers were still in position outside Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield this morning.
Officers stood outside the gates in Cedar Road and a cordon was in place along Cook’s Hole Road.
Members of the public were not able to enter the cemetery.
Clifford ‘had chip on his shoulder’, former army boss claims
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:35
Andy Gregory
Kyle Clifford left the British Army in 2022 following a brief period of service, The Independent understands.
A former army boss told The Sun that he was “immature for his age and had a bit of a chip on his shoulder”, adding that he worked in private security after leaving the force.
Suspect’s brother is convicted killer Bradley Clifford
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:32
Andy Gregory
Suspect Kyle Clifford’s older brother is serving a 23-year prison sentence for murder, after he ran over and killed a moped driver who threw a bottle at his Ford Mustang car.
Bradley Clifford was jailed in 2018 after a court heard that he “relentlessly” pursued Soban Khan and Jahshua Francis following a confrontation at a bar in Enfield, before leaping out of his car and beating Khan as he lay dying in the road.
Victims ‘had ligature marks around wrists and face'
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:13
Andy Gregory
The three women had ligature marks around their wrists and face but were not gagged and bound when they were discovered by police at their home in Bushey, The Guardian reported.
The newspaper reported that one of the victims managed to call 999 to alert the police before their killer fled, with a source alleging that the women may have been held hostage for hours prior to the call.
Kyle Clifford served briefly in Queen’s Dragoon Guards, reports suggest
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:48
Andy Gregory
Kyle Clifford, the 26-year-old at the centre of the manhunt on Wednesday, served briefly in the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed to outlets.
According to the Mail Online, he served in the Queen's Dragoon Guards for a short time before dropping out.
The British Army website states that the regiment has specialised in reconnaisance since its formation in 1685.
Louise Hunt’s final social media repost praised ‘women who leave’
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:31
Andy Gregory
The final tweet shared on Louise Hunt’s X account praised “women who leave”.
I admire women who leave. idgaf if you left after the 1st time or the 12th time I admire that shit! idgaf if ppl was calling you dümb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done. it takes ALOT of strength to break a tie. it takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self
— d$ (@Flexxprincee) July 3, 2024
Racing commentator’s colleagues send love after wife and daughters murdered
Thursday 11 July 2024 07:00
Tara Cobham
The colleagues of a BBC racing commentator have offered their love and thoughts after the crossbow murders of his wife and two daughters.
John Hunt, who has worked for BBC Radio 5 Live for around 20 years, was described as an “outstanding commentator and broadcaster” by those sending their sympathies.
Mr Hunt’s wife Carol and two of their three daughters were found fatally injured at a house in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday.
Josh Payne reports:
Neighbours pay tribute to ‘beautiful souls’ killed in crossbow attack
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:30
Namita Singh
Neighbours and friends of a mother and two daughters killed in a crossbow attack have described them as “beautiful souls”.
Carol Hunt, 61, wife of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, and their two daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday.
The Hunts were described as “the loveliest, gentlest family” as well-wishers laid flowers by the police cordon in Ashlyn Close, a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, on Wednesday.
Report:
Local council member recounts learning about killing in neighbourhood
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:15
Namita Singh
Local council member Laurence Brass, who lives nearby, described the area as “a typical leafy British suburb” as he recounted his experience from the previous night.
“At about eight o’clock last night, I was watching the football on television, and suddenly a helicopter landed in the lawn outside my flat, which is at the top of this road, and then my phone started going, and I was told that there was a major incident here in Bushey and we should all keep away because there was somebody apparently on the run,” he told the BBC.
Watch: Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford stretchered out of cemetery in Enfield
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:00
Tara Cobham
Grief washes over quiet, leafy Bushey as three women murdered
Thursday 11 July 2024 05:45
Namita Singh
Horror, shock and grief have engulfed a quiet, leafy community in Hertfordshire after three women were murdered in their own home in a terrifying attack involving a crossbow.
Tributes have been pouring in for the “gentle, beautiful, friendly” Hunt family after mother Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in a “targeted” incident in their usually peaceful cul-de-sac Ashlyn Close in Bushey on Tuesday evening.
Armed police have now captured suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, following a major manhunt. Detectives said the 26-year-old was found with injuries and was receiving medical treatment after he was apprehended in the Enfield area of north London on Wednesday afternoon.
Report:
Attack on Hunt family not random, suggests chief superintendent
Thursday 11 July 2024 05:15
Namita Singh
Police did not say how or whether Kyle Clifford was connected to the victims, but British media had reported that he was an ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.
Chief superintendent Jon Simpson suggested the attack was not random and that the suspect knew the family.
Local council member Laurence Brass, who lives nearby, described the area as “a typical leafy British suburb” as he recounted his experience from the previous night.
“At about eight o’clock last night, I was watching the football on television, and suddenly a helicopter landed in the lawn outside my flat, which is at the top of this road, and then my phone started going, and I was told that there was a major incident here in Bushey and we should all keep away because there was somebody apparently on the run,” he told the BBC.
Full story: Clifford captured after BBC commentator’s wife and daughters killed
Thursday 11 July 2024 05:00
Tara Cobham
Armed police have captured a former soldier wanted in connection with a suspected crossbow triple murder which claimed the lives of a BBC racing commentator’s wife and two daughters.
Detectives said Kyle Clifford, 26, was receiving medical treatment after he was apprehended in the Enfield area of north London on Wednesday afternoon following a major manhunt.
Hertfordshire Police said he was found with injuries and no shots were fired by police in the search for Clifford, who was feared to be armed with a crossbow.
Crime Correspondent Amy-Clare Martin reports:
Who is John Hunt? BBC radio commentator whose wife and daughters were killed
Thursday 11 July 2024 04:45
Namita Singh
John Hunt is the main racing commentator for BBC 5 Live, the corporation’s main news and sports radio channel. His voice is known to millions through his coverage of the world famous Grand National and The Derby.
A colleague of Hunt’s and BBC 5 Live’s lead presenter Mark Chapman struggled to hold back the tears as he expressed everyone’s shock and pain.
“We have a football match to bring you tonight ... and we will start our buildup to it shortly but this has been a heartbreaking day,” he said as he opened yesterday’s coverage on 5 Live of England’s semifinal match against The Netherlands in soccer’s European Championship.
“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who’ve worked here with him over the past 20 years, and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries,” Chapman said.
“So on behalf of everyone connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
Love and support pours in for John Hunt from sports media and racing communities
Thursday 11 July 2024 04:00
Tara Cobham
Love and support has poured in for John Hunt from the sports media and racing communities after he lost his wife and two daughters in the horrific crossbow attack.
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman gave a tearful tribute to his fellow commentator and friend after a “heartbreaking day”.
At the start of his Euros pre-match show on 5 Live on Wednesday evening, Mr Chapman said: “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.”
ITV and Sky Sports Racing commentator Matt Chapman said: “There are no words here. Just the wish to let John know we love him and racing loves him.
“There are loads of us who he can talk to should he need or want to.
“John is an outstanding commentator and broadcaster – but he’s also just a lovely bloke.”
Hunts were ‘very close-knit family’ who ‘loved’ local area, says neighbour
Thursday 11 July 2024 03:00
Tara Cobham
The Hunts were described as a “very close-knit family” as well-wishers laid flowers by the police cordon in Ashlyn Close, a quiet suburban cul-de-sac, on Wednesday.
Glyn Nicholas, 77, who has lived on the same road as the victims for 50 years and is a customer of Louise Hunt’s dog grooming business, said: “I knew of them, I said ‘hello’ to them and all that.”
He added: “They were a private family, all very nice, a private family. They all did their own things.
“Louise started a business a couple of years ago, and it was a thriving business – we all took our dogs there to be groomed.”
Mr Nicholas added that the Hunts were a “very close-knit family” who “loved” the street.
Grief in leafy town over ‘tremendous tragedy’ of triple murder
Thursday 11 July 2024 01:00
Tara Cobham
Horror, shock and grief have engulfed a quiet, leafy community in Hertfordshire after three women were murdered in their own home in a terrifying attack involving a crossbow.
Tributes have been pouring in for the “gentle, beautiful, friendly” Hunt family after mother Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed in a “targeted” incident in their usually peaceful cul-de-sac Ashlyn Close in Bushey on Tuesday evening.
Armed police have now captured suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, following a major manhunt. Detectives said the 26-year-old was found with injuries and was receiving medical treatment after he was apprehended in the Enfield area of north London on Wednesday afternoon.
Read the full story here:
