Manhunt for Alleged Suspect with Crossbow who Killed BBC Host’s Family

A manhunt is underway for an alleged killer who fatally shot a BBC commentator’s wife and two daughters with a crossbow near London on Tuesday in what police describe as a “targeted” attack.

Officials are searching for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, who allegedly murdered a 25-year-old, a 28-year-old and a 61-year-old in Bushey, Hertfordshire, police said in a statement.

The three victims died at the scene. Officials believe the victims were the wife and two daughters of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt.

Officials believe the weapon used in the attack was a crossbow, but other weapons may have been involved.

Law enforcement responded to the scene at around 7 p.m. and located three seriously injured victims.

Police are currently concentrating search efforts on north London and the Bushey, Hertfordshire.

If anyone sees Clifford, officials are asking them to call 999. They are also encouraged not to approach Clifford since “he may still be in possession of a weapon.”

“Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police,” Hertfordshire Police Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said at a press conference on Wednesday.

Officials are also launching an investigation into the incident.

“Our enquires will continue over the coming days to ascertain the full circumstances of what happened,” Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said in a statement.

Oliver Dowden, Parliament Member for the area prior to boundary changes, posted about the incident on X.

“I am deeply concerned by the tragic reports of the murder of 3 women in Bushey yesterday evening,” Dowden wrote.

He offered thoughts and prayers to families and friends of the victims and said he will support the community during this “difficult” time.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident which took place in the heart of our local community,” local councilors for the area said.

Hunt is a radio presenter specializing in horse racing events, such as the Grand National.

The BBC called the killings as “utterly devastating” in a note to staff, ITV reported.

The murder rate in Britain is more than six times lower than in the U.S., NBC News reported.

Crossbow killings are even more uncommon, with fewer than 10 in the U.K. between 2011 and 2021.

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