BBC star’s wife and children killed by his daughter’s ex with crossbow

The wife and two adult children of BBC horse racing radio commentator John Hunt were killed in an attack north of London on Tuesday evening. The attacker is said to have fired a crossbow and is the ex-boyfriend of one of Hunt’s two murdered daughters.

The suspect, Kyle Clifford, was still at large on Wednesday morning, sparking a manhunt in several parts of the city, Jon Simpson, local police chief of Hertfordshire Constabulary, told reporters.

Authorities identified the three women only by their ages: 25, 28 and 61.

The BBC confirmed that Hunt’s wife Carol and the couple’s two daughters were victims of the attack.

“Today’s news about John Hunt’s family is absolutely devastating,” said a message to BBC staff, obtained by The mirror“Our thoughts are with John and his family during this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”

According to Simpson, police were called to a house in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, shortly before 7pm local time on Tuesday. When officers arrived, they found the three women with serious injuries.

“Sadly, despite their efforts, the women died a short time later,” Simpson said during a press conference.

Simpson described the attack as a “targeted incident” and said officers believed a crossbow was involved, “but other weapons may have been used.”

“Our overarching goal today is to protect public safety and find Kyle Clifford,” Simpson said Wednesday.

He added: “Kyle, if you see or hear this, please contact the police.”

Authorities have not provided any information about whether and, if so, what connection Clifford had to the Hunt family.

The Daily Post However, reported that Clifford, 26, is the ex-boyfriend of Hunt’s daughter Louise. He briefly served in the British Army and left in 2022, according to the BBC.

As the search for Clifford continued on Wednesday, condolences and messages of support for Hunt poured in from the horse racing world.

“There are no words needed for what happened to @HuntyCaller and his family today,” wrote racing commentator Matt Chapman in a post on X. “Just know that we are all here for you John. We love you mate – racing loves you 🙏”

Sky Sports Racing released a statement saying: “Everyone at Sky Sports Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in Hertfordshire and our thoughts are with our colleague John Hunt, his family and friends at this terrible time.”

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