The man suspected of killing BBC commentator John Hunt’s wife and his two adult daughters with a crossbow on Tuesday was captured by police after nearly 24 hours on the run.
Kyle Clifford, 26, who’s believed to be the former boyfriend of one of the daughters, was found in North London “following an extensive search,” the local constabulary said.
The man was taken into custody without incident and is being treated for injuries sustained prior to his discovery. No shots were fired when he was apprehended.
“This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the victims’ family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened,” Major Crime Unit Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins said.
“This investigation is moving at pace and formal identification of the victims is yet to take place. The premature naming of potential victims has caused great upset to the family when they should’ve been given the space to come to terms with their sudden loss.”
The three women were killed in the attack around 7 p.m. local time Tuesday night in Bushey, a town north of London, spurring a manhunt. They have only been officially identified by their ages, 25, 28 and 61, but police described the incident as “targeted.”
According to Sky News, those ages match the ages of Hunt’s wife, Carol, and daughters Hannah and Louise.
The BBC reported Hunt’s wife, Carol, and two daughters were slain, while a third daughter was not harmed.
Clifford was found at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield and carried away in a stretcher, Sky News reported. Enfield is about 20 miles east of Bushey, where the murders occurred.
Prior to locating Clifford, a large police presence descended on the area, including several officers in tactical gear carrying long guns.
Police had earlier warned the public to stay away from Clifford if they came into contact with him as the British Army vet was believed to still have the weapon used in the killings.
Crossbows are legal in the U.K., albeit with strict stipulations for use and display. In the wake of the murders, the Home Office is now weighing whether tougher crossbow laws should be enacted, the BBC reported. The office had started considering new laws earlier this year in response to a spate of other crimes committed with crossbows.
“The home secretary will swiftly consider the findings to see if laws need to be tightened further,” a spokesperson said Wednesday.
John Hunt is a radio horse racing commentator for BBC Racing and for Sky Sports Racing.
“The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating,” the BBC said. “Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”