Friend's tearful tribute to 'lovely family' killed in Bushey 'murders' (2024)

Distraught loved ones have broken down in tears as they paid tribute to the wife and daughters of BBC racing commentator John Hunt after they were barbarically killed in a 'targeted' crossbow attack.

Friends and neighbours of Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, wept openly as they paid tribute to the 'lovely family' who were 'taken too soon' after they were foundfatally injured at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday evening.

The tight-knit community in the idyllic town has been shocked to its core by their deaths, with devastated locals left mourning the 'beautiful souls' and heartrendingly saying: 'They did not deserve this.'

This morning shell-shocked neighbours attended vigil in memory of the women at their local church, with many unable to hold back the tears at the deeply emotional service.

It comes as it was revealed that the women desperately attempted to get help as they were set upon in their own home by a crossbow-wielding killer, with one calling 999 and another text her partner urging them to get the police.

The suspect in the killings, Kyle Clifford - who is Louise's ex-boyfriend - is currently in a 'serious condition' in hospital after being tracked by armed police to a cemetery in north London yesterday evening following a 22-hour manhunt.

It is believed the suspect shot himself as the net around him tightened, with police saying their staff did not fire their guns during the operation. Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with triple murder probe.

It comes as it was revealed:

  • Neighbours heard piercing screams in the minutes before the bodies of the three women were found;
  • Louise Hunt crashed her car days before the murders after going through a 'messy' break up;
  • Colleagues of John Hunt expressed their horror at the 'evil' incident which has befallen 'one of the nicest members of the human race';
  • Doorbell footage showed Kyle Clifford fleeing the scene of the murders while carrying a crossbow;
  • Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is considering changes to legislation after the latest violent attack involving crossbows;
  • Louise Hunt shared a tweet praising 'women who leave' for their 'strength' days before the murders

Lea Holloway, who was a close friend of Carol Hunt, said the mother-of-three was a 'beautiful' person as she left an emotional vigil

A couple lay floral tributes to the Hunt family this morning after the shocking killings in Bushey

As the community reeled from shock, locals arrived at the Hunt's family home on Thursday to lay floral tributes

A member of the public dries her eyes at a vigil for Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at St James's Church in Bushey this morning

Three women consoled each other as they laid floral tributes to Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt outside their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Thursday

People hug each other and shed tears as they remember the victims of the horrific murders at a vigil this morning

Parishioners bow their heads as they listen to a sermon at a vigil for Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at St James's Church in Bushey this morning

Father Stevenson delivers a sermon to members of the public at a vigil being held this morning for three women who were killed

Around 50 people attended a vigil in their memory at a local church this morning, many of whom arrived in tears and were too upset to speak.

One childhood friend of Carol, who attended the vigil, described her as a 'beautiful person'.

Lea Holloway, 60, who had known Carol since she was 16, said: 'We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

READ MORE BBC star John Hunt credits wife Carol for inspiring his career after spotting advert in paper

'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 added: 'They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.

'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.'

Ms Holloway was joined by Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, who said: 'She was a lovely, lovely person. We can't believe what happened.

'We were a four, and now there's only three. It doesn't seem real. We are together in grief.'

Inside the church, Father David Stevenson paid tribute to the women, echoing the written tributes left to the family amid the bundles of flowers outside the police cordon.

A tribute which included photos of Louise Hunt was among those left by a friend at the scene today

Piles of flowers and written tributes have been left in memory of the women at Ashlyn Close this morning

In one message bereaved neighbours paid tribute to the 'three beautiful souls that left us too early'

Floral tributes left outside the police cordon close to the scene where the three women were killed

Jockeys wore black armbands at Kempton Park Racecourse yesterday out of respect for John Hunt

Today was about 'supporting the community', he said before adding that their deaths had made people realise 'we are just one big family'.

Sue Kehinde, who lives close to the family's home in Ashlyn Close, said they were 'the loveliest, gentlest family'.

She said: 'They were the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.'

Police sources say there is evidence the women were being tied up before being shot dead with a 3ft-long crossbow in a 'targeted attack' that may have also included 'other weapons'.

It was reported on Wednesday that neighbours had heard piercing screams the night before, but had initially mistaken them for that of a distressed child.

READ MORE Heartbreaking rollcall of victims slain by crossbows

One of the three victims is understood to have called 999 and told police about the incident in a brave, tragic final act, before the perpetrator fled the scene.

One of the women sent a text to her partner urging a call to police.

Mother-of-three Carol, who shares another daughter with John, was reportedly found in the hallway of the house with a crossbow bolt in her chest, with evidence of ligatures discovered near the victims.

It was reported that the three women were not tied up when found by police, but there were ligature marks around their face and wrists as well as signs of injuries to their knees.

As tributes continued to pour in today police raided a property on Rendlesham Road in Enfield, with police staff wearing gloves and face masks as they revisited a home which they first searched yesterday.

The house is believed to be linked to Clifford's brother, Bradley Clifford, who was jailed for lifewith a minimum term of 23 years for the murder of moped passenger Soban Khan in 2018.

As the community reeled from shock, locals arrived at the Hunt's family home on Thursday to lay floral tributes. There was still a major police presence on the street, which detectives are still combing in search for vital clues.

One heartfelt note said: 'For the three beautiful souls that left us too early. Wishing your onward journey is peaceful and full of love. To the family and friends, I wish you all the strength in the world to come to terms with your tragic loss.'

Tributes were paid to Hannah and Louise by their former school Loreto College in St Albans.

It wrote on social media site X: '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.'

Carol Hunt, who was married to BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt (pictured together), was found fatally injured along with her two daughters at her home

Hannah Hunt, sister of Louise and daughter of John, also died after being shot with a crossbow at the family's £800,000 home

Victim Louise Hunt is the ex-girlfriend of crossbow suspect Kyle Clifford

A huge manhunt is underway to find suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is the ex-boyfriend of John's daughter Louise

This afternoon there was a minute's silence during Ladies Day at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk as the world of horse racing paid their respects to the Mr Hunt's family.

Race commentator Richard Hoiles, who is a close friend on Mr Hunt, paid tribute on ITV's programming, saying how he would often lovingly talk about his family.

'There's plenty of people in the press room - I have no idea of their family,' he said.

'But we all felt we knew Carol and the girls, possibly far better than we actually did.

'It has been a folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas 20 odd years ago we'd all retired to the local pub and out would come John's wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school, who he'd share with random bar staff and anyone else who would care to listen.'

He added: 'In the helter skelter of modern-day life it's quite easy to lose track of the things that we hold dear, but John never has.

'I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here. Knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine, and many in the press room's, greatest friends.

'Words just seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family is held, as will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today.'

John with his wife Carol, who was found with fatal injuries at their £800,000 detached house in Bushey, Hertfordshire

Carol Hunt (pictured) and her two daughters were tied up before being shot with a crossbow, MailOnline understands

Neighbours had alerted police to the horrifying attack after hearing the terrified screams of the women in their quiet cul-de-sac just before 7pm on Tuesday.

By the time police arrived at the property the assailant had fled, with officers believed to have contacted Mr Hunt as he returned from working at Lingfield Park course.

READ MORE Jockeys wear black armbands and hold a minute's silence to show support for John Hunt

Paramedics were unable to save the three victims, who died at the scene.

It wasn't long before detectives were on the trail of a suspect after a figure was seen darting out of an alleyway directly behind the murder scene.

Clad in black, the man was captured on doorbell footage calmly striding away with what appeared to be a crossbow tucked under his arm hidden beneath a white sheet.

Chillingly, he passed within feet of a female neighbour, who stood alone on her driveway stroking a cat and seemed startled by the sight of the barely concealed weapon at 6.50pm.

Within hours, a national manhunt was under way for former soldier Kyle Clifford, who was named by police in a highly unusual step.

The 26-year-old had previously served in the Queen's Dragoon Guards for a short time before dropping out having failed to impress superiors, it was said last night.

As they attempted to track him down, police warned the public not to approach the suspect.

The suspect was seen being stretchered from a cemetery in north London yesterday after a 22-hour police manhunt

Armed police carrying guns run into Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield on Wednesday afternoon

An ambulance at the scene at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield on Wednesday afternoon

As police scoured the area, their attention turned to Clifford's hometown of Enfield, with officers carrying out raids and locking down primary schools in a bid to catch him.

Bystanders captured the moment police raided a property in Rendlesham Road with officers continuing to search the address today.

Armed police and paramedics were filmed on Wednesday afternoon running into Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield as the hunt continued for Clifford, a former soldier and security guard.

READ MOREEXCLUSIVE How 'crossbow killer' slayed three in cul-de-sac rampage before 'shooting himself'

Later, armed police closed down the cemetery, a five-minute walk from the house linked to the suspect. Up to four black-clad officers - two carrying automatic rifles - stood guard at the cemetery gates, preventing members of the public from entering.

Meanwhile, an ambulance rushed into the cemetery grounds with blue lights flashing and sirens on just after 4.30pm after Clifford seemingly shot himself with the crossbow.

Around 20 minutes later he was stretchered from the scene and taken by ambulance to Royal London Hospital, where he received medical treatment overnight.

Police confirmed no shots had been fired by officers and nobody else was being sought.

A London Ambulance spokesperson said yesterday: 'Ambulance crews and London's air ambulance attended an incident in Lavender Hill Cemetery, Enfield, this afternoon. We treated a man at the scene and took him to a major trauma centre.'

Kyle Clifford dropped out of the army weeks before he is alleged to have murder three people

Armed police searching Lavender Hill cemetery in Enfield as the hunt for fugitive Kyle Clifford took a new turn

Forensics were seen outsideLavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield as the manhunt for Kyle Clifford continued

Colleagues of Hannah took to Facebook to pay tribute to the 'fantastic therapist' who was 'loved' by her clients.

The Anti-Ageing Clinic at Radlett wrote on Facebook: 'It is with deep regret and sadness of the horrific murder on Tuesday night of our skin therapist Hannah.

READ MORE Michael Owen pays tribute to John Hunt's family after the murder of his wife and daughters

'She was a fantastic therapist and clients loved her.

'We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family.'

Neighbours claimed Clifford had been in a relationship with theHunts' youngest daughter, Louise, but she split up with him a week ago.

Their parting is said to have left her so shaken that she recently crashed her car into a telegraph pole outside the family home.

Neighbour Glyn Nicholas, 77, said: 'Louise was a very nice girl. She ran a dog grooming business from the house. I heard that she split from a boyfriend last week and was very upset about it.

'A friend of Louise's told me that her car door had caved in because of the crash.'

A police officer walks down the road at the site of a triple murder in Bushey on Wednesday

An officer stands next to a police a car outside the scene of a triple murder in Ashlyn Close, Bushey

Anaerial view of the scene of the suspected triple murder in Bushey, Hertfordshire

A blue and white forensic tent has been erected in the front garden of one of the homes in the cul-de-sac in Bushey where the killings took place

He added: 'Carol was a nice, polite and quiet lady. She was at home a lot of the time.

'They were 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.

READ MOREBREAKING NEWS 'Moment murder suspect flees scene with crossbow' after 'killing ex-girlfriend and her family'

'A very close-knit family and they used to love the street. They'd had a lot of work done on their house over the years.'

Mrs Hunt, a mother of three, had recently told friends at her local gym that her youngest daughter was involved in a 'messy break-up' with her boyfriend.

One suggested her daughter's relationship had turned nasty.

A friend said: 'She said her daughter's split with her boyfriend was messy. Carol did not go into too much detail, but you could see she was concerned.'

Days before she was killed Louise had shared a post on social media praising 'women who leave'.

The young dog groomer reposted her final tweet on social media platform X on July 3, which 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.'

Yesterday neighbours revealed that Clifford had been in a relationship with the Hunts' youngest daughter, Louise, but she split up with him a week ago

Louise Huntshared her final post on social media platform X on July 3, praising 'women who leave' for their 'strength'

Hannah Hunt, 28, and mother Carol Hunt, 61, were also killed in the tragic attack on Tuesday

The three women lived with BBC star John Hunt (pictured), who was at work at the time of the attack

The BBC confirmed that Mr Hunt's wife and two daughters had died and messages of condolence have been posted on social media by figures from the racing world.

The BBC has called the murders 'utterly devastating', adding in a note to staff: 'Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.'

His colleague at Radio 5 Live Mark Chapman opened his coverage of England's Euro 2024 semi-final by paying a tearful tribute to his friend.

READ MORE Horrific details emerge from crossbow carnage house where BBC man's wife and daughters were executed

Speaking with a quivered voice on the radio last night, sports presenter Chapman 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. So, on behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.'

Yesterday jockeys at Kempton Park Racecourse wore black armbands as they took part in races as a mark of respect of Mr Hunt. This afternoon there will be a minute's silence at Newmarket Racecourse in Suffolk in memory of his family.

Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority, said: 'The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with John Hunt, his family and friends. It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event.

'John is a great friend to many in our sport and I am sure that in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have seen many times before when one of our number is faced with great trauma.'

Friend's tearful tribute to 'lovely family' killed in Bushey 'murders' (2024)

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