The tranquility of Bushey, a small town in Hertfordshire, England, was violently disrupted on the evening of July 9, 2024. The wife and two daughters of John Hunt, a well-known BBC horse racing commentator, were tragically killed in a deadly assault at their residence.
The victims identified as Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, lost their lives following a crossbow attack. The alleged perpetrator, a 26-year-old man named Kyle Clifford, reported to be Louise Hunt’s former boyfriend, was detained after an extensive search operation across the town. He is currently undergoing medical care for sustained injuries.
The gruesome incident started shortly before 7 p.m. Police officers responded to a call at the Hunt family’s residence on Ashlyn Close, where they discovered the three women with serious injuries. “Sadly, despite their best efforts, the women died a short time later,” stated Jon Simpson, Hertfordshire Constabulary’s local policing commander, during a media briefing.
The authorities rapidly initiated a manhunt for Clifford following the incident, which they described as “targeted.” He was located the next day at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, and was subsequently taken to a medical facility.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit underscored the immense emotional impact on the bereaved family, asking for respect of their privacy as they grapple with the devastating event.
“This remains an extremely challenging period for the family of the victims, and we kindly request that their privacy be honored as they process this tragic event,” Jenkins observed. She pointed out that the untimely revelation of the victims’ identities had further exacerbated the family’s distress.
John Hunt’s colleagues and the wider horse racing community have shared their heartfelt condolences and remembrances. “Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is heartbreaking,” a message circulated to BBC employees read. Colleagues remembered the Hunts as “beautiful souls” and “the loveliest, gentlest family.”
Expressions of sorrow and disbelief have been numerous among friends and neighbors. Su Kehinde, who lived nearby, described the family as “the meekest human beings. They did not deserve this. They were beautiful souls.” Glyn Nicholas, a fellow resident, recalled Louise’s successful dog grooming business, underscoring the high regard in which the family was held within the community.
Clifford, a former British Army soldier who served briefly until 2022, was familiar to the Hunt family due to his past relationship with Louise. Unnamed sources have suggested that Clifford’s relationship with Louise was domineering, limiting her freedom and social interactions.
Police have recovered the crossbow believed to have been used in the attack and are examining the potential involvement of additional weapons. In the wake of the incident, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for an urgent review of crossbow regulations. “We keep legislation under constant review,” a Home Office spokesperson confirmed, adding that an inquiry to evaluate the need for more stringent crossbow controls had been initiated earlier this year.
The untimely deaths of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt have deeply affected their local community and the horse racing industry at large. Friends and colleagues have organized vigils and memorial services to pay respect to their memory.