Manhunt Under Way After 3 Women Killed With Crossbow

An aerial view of Ashlyn Close, where three women were murdered, in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 10, 2024. PA Wire

A manhunt is under way after three woman were killed in a crossbow attack at their home in Bushey, on the outskirts of London on Tuesday night.

Carol Hunt, 61, and her two daughters, aged 25 and 28, were killed at their home in Hertfordshire.

The BBC has confirmed Ms. Hunt was married to horse racing commentator John Hunt.

Hertfordshire Police, assisted by other forces, has launched a manhunt for the 26-year-old suspect, Kyle Clifford, who is believed to still be in possession of the crossbow.

Police say he is believed to be in Hertfordshire or north London.

In February, the Home Office announced plans to make it harder to obtain crossbows, which have been involved in a number of murders since 2017.

Prior to the incident in Bushey, at least six people have been killed in England and Wales in the past seven years with crossbows, which are currently legal to purchase and own.

Home Secretary: ‘Truly Shocking’

The new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has described the deaths as “truly shocking” and is being kept informed on the manhunt for Mr. Clifford.

Armed police searched a house in Enfield, north London on Wednesday morning but there was no trace of the suspect.

Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire Police told a press conference the victims had been “targeted” and there was no reason to believe the suspect posed a threat to the general public.

He said, “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.”

“The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialist search teams responding at pace in the wake of what has been a horrific incident involving what is currently believed to be a crossbow, but other weapons may also have been used,” he added.

Police and forensic officers at the murder scene in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 10, 2024. James Manning/PA Wire

Suspect Urged to Contact Police

Speaking directly to the suspect, Mr. Simpson said, “Kyle, if you are seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police.”

The danger from crossbows has been highlighted several times over the years.

In November 2018 Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, 51, used one of the weapons to kill his pregnant ex-wife, Devi, 35, at her home in Ilford, east London. Her unborn baby miraculously survived.

The then-Prime Minister Theresa May said her government would “consider the risk to public safety and whether further measures are needed.”

When would-be assassin Jaswant Singh Chail, armed with a loaded crossbow, was arrested in the grounds of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day 2021 the then-Home Secretary Priti Patel promised to review the law surrounding crossbows.

Last year Chail was jailed for nine years after admitting an offence under the Treason Act.

In January 2024 a man armed with a crossbow was shot dead by police in Surrey Quays, south London.

Bryce Hodgson, 30, had pleaded guilty to a stalking offence at Croydon Crown Court in July 2023 and was given a suspended prison sentence of 16 weeks.

Then in February this year the government finally unveiled plans to outlaw the sale of crossbows except under strict conditions.

Buyers would be subject to strict police checks, as are already in place for firearms.

The Home Office completed the work in April but no legislation was introduced before the general election campaign began.

Several figures from the horse racing world have posted condolences on social media platform X.

ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote: “No words needed for what has happened to [Mr. Hunt] and family today.

“Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you,” he added.

The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain also sent their sympathies on X.

PA Media contributed to this report.