LONDON, ENGLAND – A man suspected of using a crossbow to fatally shoot three women from the same family in a house north of London was apprehended by police on Wednesday at a local cemetery. The suspect, Kyle Clifford, was captured in the town of Enfield after a large-scale manhunt and was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, as stated by the authorities. Police reports mentioned that Clifford is currently receiving medical attention for injuries sustained, clarifying that no gunfire was exchanged during his apprehension.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a potential motive for the triple murder, but have noted that the suspect was likely acquainted with the victims. The victims, aged 25, 28, and 61, are believed to be part of the same family, as Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police indicated during a press conference prior to Clifford’s arrest.
Prior to the suspect’s capture, police had cautioned the public against approaching the 26-year-old suspect out of concern that he might still be in possession of the crossbow used in the attack. Meanwhile, the victims were identified as Carol Hunt, the wife of BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters.
Incidents involving crossbows in the UK are rare, with fewer than 10 deaths reported between 2011 and 2021. The government has highlighted that individuals over the age of 18 can legally purchase or own a crossbow, although carrying one in public without a valid justification can lead to a four-year prison sentence.
British officials are considering tightening regulations on crossbow ownership following a 2021 incident in which a young man with a crossbow attempted to enter Windsor Castle with intentions to harm Queen Elizabeth II. The newly elected interior minister, Yvette Cooper, described the recent triple murder as “truly shocking” and emphasized the need for continuous updates on the investigation.
The gruesome attack underscores the rarity of such violence in the UK, which has significantly lower murder rates compared to the United States, primarily due to stringent gun laws. However, rising incidents of knife crimes in recent years have emerged as a pressing issue in British politics. The tragedy in Bushey, northwest of London, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence within communities, leaving officials and residents alike in shock and grief.
