The suspect in the triple homicide of a mother and her two daughters in north London remains in serious condition after being found injured on Wednesday, according to British police. Kyle Clifford, 26, was discovered in a cemetery in Enfield, about 20 kilometers from Bushey, where the crime took place the previous day.
Clifford, who is currently in custody, has not yet been able to speak to police due to his condition. The police confirmed that Clifford was found with injuries but clarified that no shots were fired at him. He is suspected of killing Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, with a crossbow on Tuesday night.
The victims were the wife and daughters of John Hunt, a well-known turf journalist for BBC radio. The incident has caused a significant commotion in the United Kingdom, making front-page news across the country.
The investigation continues, with police indicating they have found a crossbow at the scene. Early investigations suggest the attack was deliberate, targeting the three victims specifically. Clifford is believed to have known the victims, with reports suggesting he was the ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.
Authorities had launched a manhunt for Clifford, warning the public not to approach him as he might still be armed with the crossbow. Armed police and extensive resources were deployed across Hertfordshire and north London to locate him.
Such incidents are rare in Britain, where the murder rate is significantly lower than in the United States. Crossbow murders are particularly uncommon, with fewer than ten cases reported between 2011 and 2021. However, the government is now considering tightening crossbow ownership laws following this incident.
A vigil was held at St James's Church in Bushey for the victims, with many people leaving flowers and messages near their home. The British government, led by newly elected Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is pushing for an urgent review of crossbow laws in light of this tragedy.
- The police have emphasized that this investigation will take time as they work to establish the circumstances leading to this unprecedented attack. Detective Superintendent Rob Hall stated that they are determined to uncover the events that led to this tragedy.
- The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and across Hertfordshire. Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Ash-Edwards expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the victims. He described the incident as 'horrific' and 'shocking.'
- The public is urged to respect the privacy of the victim's family as they come to terms with their loss. The police have made an urgent appeal to Clifford, asking him to contact the authorities if he sees or hears their messages.
- The case has also reignited discussions around Britain's gun laws, which are much stricter compared to other countries. While the country has seen an increase in knife crime and stabbings, crossbow incidents remain rare. The government had already been considering tighter restrictions on crossbow ownership following a separate incident in 2021.
