A major manhunt in Hertfordshire ended with the dramatic arrest of Kyle Clifford in an Enfield cemetery. The arrest followed an intensive search involving armed police and forensic teams.
According to Daily Mail, a 26-year-old ex-soldier, Clifford, is accused of murdering three women with a crossbow in Bushey.
Clifford, recently discharged from the army, was stretchered away from Lavender Hill Cemetery after being captured by police. He is accused of killing Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters, Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, in a targeted attack on their home. Clifford, who dated Louise Hunt, was taken to the Royal London Hospital for medical treatment.
The victims were found in their £800,000 home, reportedly tied up and killed with a crossbow. Doorbell footage shows Clifford leaving the scene with what appears to be the murder weapon. The incident was initially described as "domestic" by authorities.
Local schools were put on lockdown during the manhunt as a precaution. Floral tributes were placed near the murder scene in Bushey, reflecting the community's shock and mourning. Clifford’s neighbors reported a significant police presence and lockdown during the search.
The BBC, where Carol Hunt's husband John works, described the murders as "utterly devastating." Armed police and paramedics were involved in the capture, ensuring the safety of all involved. Clifford was taken to a major trauma center for treatment, with no shots fired by police during the arrest.
Forensic teams were active at the crime scene and Clifford's known residences. The local and national communities expressed their shock, with tributes and minutes of silence observed. Racing community member Cornelius Lysaght called the incident "incomprehensible evil."
Local councillor Laurence Brass expressed his condolences:
We can't remember a murder in our rather quiet neck of the woods, so (it's a) terrible shock and our sympathies and prayers and thoughts are with the families of the three women.
Police urged anyone with information about Clifford's whereabouts during the manhunt to come forward. Detective Superintendent Rob Hall emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the need for public assistance.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on the tragic loss:
The loss of three women's lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those who have been killed & with the community. I am being kept fully updated. I urge people to support (Hertfordshire Police) with any information about this case.
As the investigation continues, the community is grappling with the aftermath of the murders. The arrests and subsequent actions have provided some relief, but the impact of the tragedy remains.
The police's swift action in capturing Clifford has been praised, but the wounds inflicted by this crime will take time to heal. Forensics are still working to gather all necessary evidence, ensuring a thorough investigation.
The arrest of Kyle Clifford marks the culmination of a significant manhunt, bringing temporary relief to a community devastated by the murders of Carol Hunt and her daughters. The victims' families and friends are left to mourn their loss as forensic teams continue their investigation. The community's response has been one of shock and mourning, with tributes and minutes of silence observed. Authorities have emphasized the need for public assistance in the investigation, highlighting the severity of the incident. As the investigation proceeds, the impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time.
