Broadcaster Cornelius Lysaght has described the murder of BBC star John Hunt’s wife and two daughters as ‘incomprehensible evil’.
Lysaght, who led the support from the horseracing industry for his longtime BBC Radio colleague, paid tribute after the three women were found fatally injured at their £800,000 detached home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday night.
Police sources said the three victims – Carol, 61, Hannah, 28, and 25-year-old Louise – were tied up before being shot in a ‘targeted attack’ that may have also included ‘other weapons’.
Suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is the ex-boyfriend of John’s daughter Louise, was found injured by police today at a cemetery in Enfield.
Racegoers undertook a minute’s silence while jockeys rode wearing black armbands on Wednesday evening. Both actions will be repeated at race meetings on Thursday.
Mr Hunt was described as ‘the greatest family man’ and ‘one of the nicest members of the human race’ by those who knew him well.
Meanwhile, the BBC sent a note to Five Live staff on Wednesday describing their deaths as ‘utterly devastating’.
While ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote on X: ‘No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today.
Carol Hunt, 61, pictured with her BBC commentator husband John Hunt, was found dead along with her two daughters at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire
Victim Louise Hunt is the ex-girlfriend of crossbow suspect Kyle Clifford
Hannah Hunt, sister of Louise and daughter of John, also died after being shot with a crossbow at the family’s £800,000 home
ITV racing commentator Matt Chapman wrote on X: ‘No words needed for what has happened to @HuntyCaller and family today’
‘Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal – racing loves you.’
The Amateur Jockeys Association of Great Britain and Beverley Racecourse were among others sending their sympathies.
BBC stalwart Mr Hunt has worked at the corporation for 30 years as a racing commentator and previous to this worked as a police officer.
Hunt, a regular racetrack caller and frequent presenter on At the Races, is most widely heard as the commentary voice for the sport on BBC 5Live.
His work on the national sport’s network has widened to occasional football commentary and also coverage of the equestrian events at the 2012 London Olympics.
The BBC said in its memo to staff it would provide Mr Hunt with ‘all the support we can’ following the murders of Carol Hunt and her two daughters in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
The note to BBC 5 Live staff read: ‘The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating.
‘Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.’
Armed police searched a home in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, this morning as the hunt for Clifford continued.
A police car parked outside a cordon in Ashlyn Close, in Bushey, where the three women were found dead
A huge manhunt is underway to find suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, who is the ex-boyfriend of John’s daughter Louise
Police have said they have launched a manhunt for Clifford
John with his wife Carol, who was found with fatal injuries at their detached house
Carol (pictured) and her two daughters were tied up before being shot with a crossbow, MailOnline understands
Forensics outside a home in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, where the three women were found
An aerial view of the scene of the suspected triple murder in Bushey, Hertfordshire
He is wanted over the deaths of Mrs Hunt and two of her daughters who were aged 25 and 28.
In a press conference today, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson from Hertfordshire Police told reporters the murders are believed to be ‘targeted’.
The force also warned the public not to approach the suspect who ‘may be in possession of a crossbow’.
Messages of condolence were posted on social media by figures from the racing world.
