John Hunt family news: Victim’s partner pays tribute to ‘love of my life’ as Kyle Clifford remains in hospital

It turns out that the man arrested by police after a mother and two daughters were killed in a crossbow attack was a former soldier whose brother was serving a life sentence for murder.

Kyle Clifford, 26, served briefly in the armed forces, having been a member of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards, it is understood, before retiring in 2022. After the army, he briefly worked for a fire and security installation company, but left in July last year.

Clifford was born in Enfield in 1998 and is believed to be the third of four children. His eldest brother Bradley Clifford was sentenced to life in prison in 2018 after mowing down a moped and beating a teenager to death in a fit of rage after his “cherished” red Ford Mustang was damaged.

Our crime correspondent Amy Clare Martin Reports:

Jockeys at Newmarket Racecourse wore black armbands on Thursday as a tribute to the family of BBC racing commentator John Hunt.

Additionally, a minute’s silence was held on Ladies’ Day to show the crowd their respect, while fellow commentator Richard Hoiles expressed his appreciation at the start of his coverage.

“It is impossible to justify such a heinous, senseless and horrific act in today’s society,” he is reported to have said. “I have known John for 30 years. If you spend even a few moments with him, there is a good chance that the conversation will turn to family.”

“It is a myth that after our annual Christmas party some 20 years ago we all retired to the local pub and pulled out John’s wallet full of pictures of the girls at primary school.

“Words just seem hollow and inadequate in situations like this and all we can try to do is offer some comfort by trying to show the warmth and respect that is being shown to John and his family.”

Hannah Hunt’s boyfriend has paid tribute to “the love of my life” after she was “stolen from him too soon.”

Alex Klein posted a photo of the couple on Instagram with the caption: “Rest in peace love of my life. I will never forget you, you were taken from me too soon.”

“The brightest light in my life. My brave queen for life. Until we meet again… I love you, Hansy.”

As reported by The Telegraph and other media outlets, he also posted a photo of the couple kissing in a swimming pool and another of them attending an investor event with the words “forever with me.”

Friends of the family expressed their shock outside St James’ Church on Thursday following a vigil for Carol Hunt (61), the wife of BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah (28) and Louise (25).

Lea Holloway, 60, a childhood friend of Carol Hunt, described her as a “beautiful person.”

After two other close friends, Dionne Smith (58) and Abigail Phillips (58), joined the trio, she told reporters: “There were four of us and now there are only three of us.”

“It doesn’t seem real to me. We are grieving together.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it had received a report from the Metropolitan Police after suspect Kyle Clifford was found by officers with serious injuries in Enfield, but was satisfied that no investigation was required.

A spokesman said: “Based on the evidence presented, there does not appear to have been any physical contact at the time Mr Clifford was seriously injured. Therefore, we are satisfied that the matter does not require investigation and has been referred back to the police for them to deal with.”

Messages and flowers were left on the street in Bushey, where Carol Hunt (61), the wife of BBC Five Live racing commentator John Hunt, and two of their daughters, Hannah (28) and Louise (25), were killed in a suspected crossbow attack on their home.

Deadly crossbows can easily be bought online for as little as £50, writes Jabed Ahmed:

Before the opening day of the July Festival, there was a minute’s silence in Newmarket as racing expressed its support for commentator John Hunt.

His media colleagues and friends joined members of the weighing room in the paddock to pay their last respects.

Coach Charlie Appleby said: “I just want to say that all our thoughts are with John Hunt. Yesterday was a very sad day.

“Our thoughts are with John at this time, both in racing and at Godolphin.”

Jockeys at the race wore black armbands and jockey Oisin Murphy added: “We observed a minute’s silence before the first race. To John Hunt and all his family and friends, I am truly very sorry for what has happened and we are all thinking of you.”

A childhood friend of Carol Hunt, one of three women killed in a crossbow attack in Bushey on Wednesday, has described her as a “beautiful person”.

Lea Holloway, 60, said she had known Ms Hunt since she was 16.

On Thursday, after a vigil for Ms Hunt and her daughters outside St James’ Church, she said: “We grew up together and were pregnant at the same time. This is the stuff nightmares are made of.”

“I was there the night she met John. It was in a nightclub in Hemel Hempstead. We went out together, went to birthdays and events.”

“It’s very difficult. She was the kindest, kindest, sweetest person you could ever meet. A wonderful human being.”

The suspect, Kyle Clifford, served in the armed forces for a time, the Department of Defense confirmed.

According to the MailOnlineHe served briefly in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards before retiring.

The British Army website states that the regiment has specialised in reconnaissance since its formation in 1685.