Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford has been identified in the crossbow murders of a BBC horseracing commentator’s wife and two daughters.
Hertfordshire Police said Clifford, 26, was found in the Enfield area of north London on Wednesday afternoon.
He was found injured and is receiving treatment.
Police authorities said no shots were fired.
Clifford was wanted in connection with the deaths of Carol Hunt, wife of BBC horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Hannah and Louise in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Police said they believe the gunman was known to the victim.
Detective Inspector Justin Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Crime Unit, said: “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victim’s family and we ask that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.”
“The investigation is progressing rapidly and the victim has yet to be formally identified.
“Following an extensive investigation, a suspect was located and no one else is being sought in connection with this investigation at this time.”
At a press conference before Clifford was found, Detective Superintendent John Simpson of Hertfordshire Police told reporters the killing appeared to be “targeted”.
As police search for the suspect, they believe he may be in possession of a crossbow and have warned members of the public not to approach him.
In a memo sent to BBC 5 Live staff on Wednesday, the broadcaster said it would offer Mr Hunt “all the support it can”.
The note read: “The news today about John Hunt’s family is absolutely devastating.
“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this extremely difficult time and we will offer him all the support we can.”
Police said they were investigating whether officers had any contact with the victim or Clifford prior to the murder.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said she was being kept updated on the investigation into the “truly shocking” deaths.
A Home Office spokesman said: “We keep the law under constant review and a call for evidence was launched earlier this year to consider whether further restrictions on crossbows should be introduced.”
“The Home Secretary will promptly consider the findings of the investigation and determine whether the law needs to be strengthened further.”
Many notable figures in the horse racing world posted messages of condolence on social media.
“I’m speechless,” said BBC horseracing correspondent Cornelius Reisert.
“Like everyone else, I, on John’s behalf, am appalled and sickened by this incomprehensible evil.
“Everyone who knew John knows he was a quintessential family man and very proud of his family, so it’s impossible to know what he was going through.
“But I know I speak for the whole of the racing world, which he’s been a part of for so many years, and the wider sports media world, when I say that we are all sending him our sympathy and our love and our support. It’s just awful.”
release date: Radio News Hub
