A man suspected of murdering three women in a “horrific” attack that spanned several hours has been found by police with serious self-inflicted injuries in a north London cemetery.
Police said a crossbow was recovered during the investigation and the only suspect, Kyle Clifford, is in hospital and detectives have not been able to speak with him.
The 26-year-old man underwent emergency surgery for a chest wound, The Guardian reported. He is being treated at a London hospital and is under police guard, but has not yet been formally arrested or questioned.
He was arrested on Wednesday in woodland near Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield by police searching for a man they believe attacked and killed three women at a home in Hertfordshire, about 17 miles away, the previous day.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, of Ashlyn Close, Bushey.
The victims were the wife and two daughters of BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt, and police believe the attack was likely planned.
A man who had recently ended his relationship with one of the daughters is believed to have gone to the home around midday on Tuesday armed with a crossbow, claiming to be collecting belongings.
Police were called to the home just before 7pm and found three women with serious injuries.
Hertfordshire Police said in a statement: “The suspect in the triple murder in Bushey continues to receive treatment in a London hospital. Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon (10 July) following police searches.”
“At this time he is in a serious condition and has yet to speak to officers. A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.”
Police are still investigating how and when Clifford obtained the recovered crossbow.
Police described the attack as “horrifying” and urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in Ashlyn Close between noon and 7pm on Tuesday to contact police.
After the suspect entered the home, one of the victims texted her partner urging him to call police, and the other victim called 999 to report the incident to police before the suspect fled.
Police say they are not searching for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Dozens of bouquets of flowers addressed to the family were placed next to a police cordon at the entrance to Ashlyn Close, a commuter town in Hertfordshire.
A former colleague of Hannah’s, who asked not to be named, said she still couldn’t believe something like this could happen to “the most adorable family ever”. “I worked with Hannah at the spa a few years ago. [and when] I saw the name of that road on the news and I texted her, “I hope you and your family are safe,” because I never thought something like this would happen.
“They were just lovely, the whole family was lovely. I wonder what she was doing with him. She was so much better than him.”
“They didn’t stand a chance. They were just so sweet. I left flowers but I feel like it wasn’t enough,” she said.
A card attached to one of the bouquets read, “Love you all so much, Louise, Carol and Hannah. You are all safe in heaven now. Hope you have been reunited with Grandma, Chester and Fluffy. My soul is connected to yours, Louise.”
“I promise to live my life with the same love and compassion as you. I promise to watch over you John and Amy and your family forever. May God keep you both safe and in peace. I love you Gracie. I am heartbroken without you but you will always live in my heart forever.”
Another tribute read: “Hannah we are so saddened. You were the most beautiful person inside and out. Rest in peace beautiful soul.”
Betty, who has lived nearby for more than 40 years, said the family was generous and kind. “It’s just incredible. I was great at saying hello to them and then when the pandemic hit, John, who is just so kind, knocked on my door and said, ‘I’m going shopping, is there anything you need from the supermarket?’ He was just such a lovely guy,” she said.
After a massive police manhunt was led to the man being found with serious injuries, the Metropolitan police referred the case to the police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The IOPC said: “Based on the evidence provided, it appears there was no physical contact with Mr Clifford at the time he sustained his serious injuries. We have therefore determined that the matter does not warrant investigation and have referred the matter back to the police.”
