The man arrested for the crossbow murder of BBC racing commentator John Hunt’s wife and daughters has been left paralysed by 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 were tracked to a cemetery in north London less than 24 hours later.
The former soldier and security guard was rushed to hospital after allegedly shooting himself with a crossbow and police are still waiting to question him over the women’s deaths.
But it is now claimed Clifford, from Enfield, is still 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 while police were searching for him in connection with the murder 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 alongside her mother Carol and sister Hannah.
Hannah Hunt, pictured, was also murdered at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Tributes left for Chloe, Hannah and Louise Hunt at Ashlyn Close after they died in a crossbow attack
The suspect is believed to have pierced his spinal cord, which would prevent him from walking again. Sun reports.
The publication claims that although Clifford has regained consciousness, police are waiting for doctors to give the all-clear before interviewing him.
Despite being arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder, the time limit officers have to question him will only begin to run once they begin formally questioning him.
Hertfordshire Police told The Sun: ‘The Serious Crime Unit is continuing to investigate the incident.
“We would not comment on the details of an individual’s medical condition.”
The brutal murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise left the nation in shock and devastated John and his remaining daughter, Amy.
In a statement released after his death, John and Amy said: ‘The devastation we are experiencing cannot be put into words.
‘We would like to thank people for their kind messages and the support we have received over the past few days. They have provided us with great comfort and we are very grateful for that.
‘As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us and we need time and space to accept what has happened and begin the grieving process.
Clifford was found with serious injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London. Pictured here, an armed police officer patrols the cemetery on Wednesday, July 10.
Clifford, 26, was discovered by police near gravestones at Enfield’s Lavender Hill Cemetery.
‘In the meantime, we ask that our privacy and that of our family and friends be respected at this time. Thank you.’
There was an outpouring of support for John, who worked for the BBC for 30 years and was a proud family man who often spoke lyrically of his three daughters.
In an interview before the tragedy, the broadcaster told colleagues he was looking forward to his beloved wife joining him in Paris when he covered the Olympics next month.
In a separate statement read out to Sky Sports Racing viewers by Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his surviving daughter, who was “magnificently inspirational”.
He said: ‘Despite the terrible evil that has devastated our lives, causing devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counterbalance has been the overwhelming messages of support, some of which are yet to be read.
‘My eldest daughter Amy has been a wonderful inspiration with her control and support towards me, something I am trying, trying very hard, to replicate.
‘Each message has seemed so important to me, like a comforting hug.
“We know people are worried about us, we will get through this. Sending my love to you all, John.”
Police launched an urgent search for Clifford after the bodies of the three women were found at a house in Ashlyn Close in Bushey on July 9.
After a massive manhunt lasting almost 24 hours, police tracked the suspect, a former soldier, to Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield.
He was found with self-inflicted stab wounds to the chest and underwent life-saving surgery.
Photographs of the victims were included among the floral tributes left at the scene of the murders.
Well-wishers left handwritten messages of condolence on cards.
Friends and family left floral offerings near the house where the three women were killed.
Hertfordshire Police later confirmed they were waiting for doctors to give them the all-clear to speak to Clifford.
They confirmed that although he has been arrested over the deaths, the usual time frame for a suspect to remain in custody does not yet apply.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.
“The investigation is progressing well and as a result we have arrested one man. Enquiries are continuing at this time.”
Friends of the Hunt family attended a vigil at St James’s 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 making their way in life and their lives were cut short too soon. It’s the stuff of nightmares. I feel for their eldest daughter and for 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 three of us. It doesn’t feel real. We’re in pain together.”
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