The man arrested over the crossbow murders of BBC racing commentator John Hunt’s wife and daughters allegedly paralysed himself with a self-inflicted wound, it has been reported.
Kyle Clifford is the prime suspect in the murders of Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on July 9.
The 26-year-old was the subject of a major police manhunt after the three women, one of whom is believed to be his ex-girlfriend, were found fatally injured and tracked down less than 24 hours later in a north London cemetery.
The former soldier and guard was rushed to hospital after allegedly shooting himself with a crossbow bolt. Police are still waiting to be questioned about the women’s deaths.
It is now claimed that Clifford, from Enfield, remains in hospital and has been left paralysed as a result of his injuries.
Kyle Clifford, pictured, is believed to have been left paralysed after shooting himself with a crossbow as police searched for him in connection with the murders of three women.
Carol Hunt, pictured right, was the wife of BBC Radio Five Live racing commentator John Hunt, left
Louise Hunt, pictured, was murdered along with her mother Carol and sister Hannah
Hannah Hunt, pictured, was also murdered at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire
Tributes to Chloe, Hannah and Louise Hunt in Ashlyn Close after they were killed in a crossbow attack
It is believed the suspect suffered a punctured spinal cord, likely leaving him unable to walk. The sun defeated.
According to the publication, Clifford has since regained consciousness, but police are still waiting for doctors to give the all-clear before they can question him.
Although he has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder, the time limit in which officers can question him will only begin to decrease once they officially begin questioning him.
Hertfordshire Police told The Sun: ‘The Major Crime Squad are still investigating the incident.
“We do not make statements about the medical condition of an individual.”
The brutal murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise shocked the country and were devastating for John and his surviving daughter Amy.
John and Amy wrote in a statement after their deaths: “Words cannot express the devastation we are experiencing.
‘We would like to thank the people for their kind messages and for the support we have received over the past few days. These have given us a lot of comfort, for which we are very grateful.
‘As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time for us. We need time and space to process what has happened and to begin the grieving process.
Clifford was found with serious injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, North London. An armed police officer is pictured patrolling the cemetery on Wednesday 10 July
Clifford, 26, was discovered by police near gravestones at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield
‘While this is happening, we would like to ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and associates is respected at this time. Thank you.’
There has been an outpouring of support for John, who has worked for the BBC for 30 years and was a proud family man who often raved about his three daughters.
In an interview before the tragedy, the presenter told colleagues how he was looking forward to his beloved wife joining him in Paris, where he was due to cover the Olympic Games next month.
In a further statement read out to Sky Sports Racing viewers by Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his “utterly inspiring” surviving daughter.
He said: ‘Despite the horrific evil that rages through our lives, causing devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counterbalance has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which can still be read today.
‘Amy, my oldest daughter, has been a huge inspiration with her control and support for me, and I try to emulate that as much as I can.
‘Every message felt so important, like a reassuring hug.
“We know people are worried about us, we will get through this. Sending love to everyone, John.”
Police launched a manhunt for Clifford after the bodies of the three women were found at a house on Ashlyn Close in Bushey on July 9.
After a massive manhunt lasting almost 24 hours, police tracked down the suspect, a former soldier, at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield.
He was found with self-inflicted stab wounds to his chest and underwent life-saving surgery.
Photos of the victims were included among the floral tributes left at the scene of the murders
Handwritten condolences were placed on cards by well-wishers
Friends and family members laid flowers at the house where the three women were murdered
Hertfordshire Police later confirmed they were waiting for doctors to give permission to speak to Clifford.
They confirmed that although he has been arrested for the deaths, the usual period for holding a suspect has not yet started.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Hall, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Serious Crime Squad, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the families of the victims at this tragic time.
“The investigation is progressing steadily and as a result we have now arrested a man. The investigation is still ongoing at this time.”
Friends of the Hunt family attended a vigil at St James’ Church in Bushey on Thursday and paid tribute to Mrs Hunt and her daughters.
Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person”.
She said: ‘This is the stuff nightmares are made of. They were a lovely family and (the daughters) were lovely girls.
“They were busy living their lives and their lives were taken too soon. It’s the stuff of nightmares. I feel for their oldest daughter and John (Hunt). I can’t imagine what it would be like.”
After being joined by two other close friends, Dionne Smith, 58, and Abigail Phillips, 58, the trio told reporters, “There were four of us, and now there are only three. It doesn’t seem real. We’re grieving together.”
