UK police are searching for a man accused of murdering the family of a BBC radio commentator

LONDON (AP) — British police said Wednesday they have found a man suspected of killing the wife and two daughters of a popular BBC radio commentator in a brutal crossbow attack near London.

In a statement, Hertfordshire Police said 26-year-old Kyle Clifford was found near his home in Enfield, north London, and was receiving medical treatment for his injuries. Police did not say how the injuries occurred, but insisted they did not fire any shots.

The BBC confirmed that the women killed were John Hunt's family – his wife of 61 years, Carol Hunt, and their daughters Louise and Hannah, aged 25 and 28 respectively.

While a manhunt was underway in Enfield, about 52 kilometers (17 miles) east of the scene of the murders, members of the public were urged not to approach the town of Clifford. Clifford left the British Army after a short stint in 2022, the BBC reported.

Detective Inspector Justin Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Squad, said: « Following extensive enquiries, the suspect has been located.

« This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the families of the victims and we ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with what happened, » he added.

Jenkins said the investigation is moving « quickly » and formal identification of the victims has yet to take place. He added that the « premature » naming of victims was « deeply distressing ».

Police were searching a park in north London near Clifford's home after being alerted to the murders at a home in Bushey, a residential area in northwest London, on Tuesday. Police and ambulance personnel tried to save them, but they died on the spot.

John Hunt is the main racing commentator for BBC 5 Live, the Corporation's flagship news and sports radio channel. His voice is known to millions through the world famous Grand National and The Derby.

Hunts and BBC 5 Live's lead presenter Mark Chapman fought back tears as he revealed everyone's shock and anguish.

« You have a soccer match tonight … we'll start building on that soon, but it's been a heartbreaking day, » he said, opening 5 Live's coverage of England's soccer match against the Netherlands on Wednesday. European Championship.

« John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not only to the current 5 Live Sport team, but to everyone who has worked with him here over the last 20 years and to all of you who have enjoyed his great commentary, » Chapman said. « So on behalf of everyone connected with 5 Live Sport, our love, thoughts and support go out to John And his family has. »

The Daily Mail newspaper and other news outlets reported that Hunt found the bodies on Tuesday evening after returning home from Lingfield Park racecourse, south of London.

Police have not said whether or not Clifford, who is from London, was involved with the women, but British media have reported that he is the ex-boyfriend of one of the daughters.

Chief Superintendent John Simpson suggested the attack was not random and the suspect knew the family.

Local councilor Laurence Brass, who lives nearby, described the area as « a typical leafy British suburb » when describing the previous night's experience.

« Last night at eight o'clock, I was watching football on TV and suddenly a helicopter landed on the grass outside my flat at the top of this road and then my phone started ringing and I was told there's a big incident here in Bushey and we all need to stay away because someone's run away. ” he told the BBC.

Britain's new home secretary, Yvette Cooper, was given a « full briefing » on the « truly shocking » incident.

People in Britain do not need a license to own a crossbow, but it is illegal to carry one in public without a valid reason.

Cooper, a Home Office spokesman, said he would « quickly consider » the findings of a recently launched review into whether further restrictions on crossbows should be introduced.