Alert in the UK: Police searching for suspected murderer

The authorities are warning that they are close to a 26-year-old suspect who is considered to be dangerous. A manhunt has been launched. Since Tuesday 9 July, police in Hertfordshire, a county north of London, have been actively searching for Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old man suspected of killing three women with a crossbow in the town of Bushey. The victims are the wife and two daughters of BBC radio presenter John Hunt, as reported by the public broadcaster.

According to Sky News, the authorities discovered three seriously injured women at a property in Ashlyn Close on Tuesday evening. They all died shortly after being attended to by paramedics.

Suspect urged to contact police

The victims, aged 25, 28 and 61, were identified by Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, who added that a major crime investigation had been launched. He said a crossbow was believed to have been used in the “horrific incident”, but that “other weapons may have been involved”.

Jon Simpson also revealed the identity of the suspect: Kyle Clifford, aged 26. The chief commissioner sent a direct message to Clifford: “Kyle, if you see or hear this, please contact the police.”

“Given the seriousness of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact the police immediately. If you think you see him, do not approach him,” warned Detective Superintendent Rob Hall of Hertfordshire Police.

Appeal for witnesses and caution

Hall appealed to anyone in the vicinity of the crime scene at around 7pm, the presumed time of the triple homicide. “We would encourage anyone with information relevant to the investigation to contact the police,” he said.

Police have issued an appeal for witnesses, stressing the need to report any information about the suspect immediately. “If you think you see him, do not approach him and dial 999 immediately,” the authorities urged. “He may still be in possession of a weapon.”

People with information can also report them via an online chat or call the 101 emergency number, mentioning Op Infauna.

Worrying background: crossbow attacks on the rise

This tragedy comes at a time when crossbow attacks have been on the rise in the UK in recent weeks. In January, a man armed with a crossbow was shot dead by police in London, underlining the growing seriousness of this type of violence.