London: Hunt for man after crossbow attack claims lives of three women, relatives of BBC journalist

A manhunt is underway in London after three women, who are relatives of a BBC journalist, were killed in a “targeted” crossbow attack.

Police were called to a home on Ashlyn Close, Bushey, around 7pm local time on Tuesday.

Hertfordshire Police Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson pleaded for Kyle Clifford, 26, who is believed to be an ex-partner of one of the women, to contact police concerning the incident.

The victims, aged 25, 28 and 61, were all declared dead at the scene.

“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 said.

“The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding at pace in the wake of what has been an horrific incident.

“If members of the public see Kyle Clifford, they are urged not to approach him at any point and to dial 999 immediately.”

Chief Supt. Simpson called for Mr Clifford to contact police himself.

“This incident will be of course a concern to local residents, additional local officers will be in the area today, so please do speak to them if you need to,” he added.

The BBC reports the three women killed are the wife and two daughters of Racing radio commentator John Hunt.

“The three women killed in Bushey are Carol Hunt, the wife of the BBC Racing radio commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters” the BBC said.

Louise Hunt, 25, and Hannah Hunt, 28, have been identified as Mr Hunt’s two daughters by UK media.

It is reported the 25-year-old was the ex-partner of Mr Clifford. It is unknown if other weapons besides a crossbow were involved.

People in the surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant as multiple police resources hunt the alleged killer.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire Jonathan Ash-Edwards said his thoughts were with the family.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the women who have been shockingly killed in this terrible incident in Bushey,” he said.”

“I am being kept updated by the police and I urge the public to support the police with any information about the whereabouts of the named suspect.”

Resident Francis Turner said “around 30 policemen” swarmed the street.

“My husband and I were watching the football when we heard sirens and shouting,” she told The Sun. Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they heard a woman screaming before police arrived at the scene.

“It was between 6.30pm and 7pm last night and it literally just sounded like kids, somebody, screaming, and then it was more shrill and I was like, ‘that’s definitely a woman screaming’, and within 15 minutes, it was absolute chaos.”

Neighbour Riaz, aged in his 50s, said he was told late on Tuesday of a “major incident” unfolding on his street before seeking shelter inside his home.

“This is not something that happens in Bushey,” he said. .

“We can’t remember a murder in our rather quiet neck of the woods, so (it’s a) terrible shock and our sympathies and prayers and thoughts are with the families of the three women.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said both ambulances and helicopters were sent to the scene. “Sadly, despite the team’s best efforts, three women were pronounced dead at the scene.”