Enfield, England — A suspect involved in the tragic killing of three women with a crossbright, now identified as Kyle Clifford, was apprehended on Wednesday in a cemetery in Enfield, following a widespread search by police. Clifford, 26, was taken to a hospital due to injuries sustained prior to his capture, as confirmed by the police, who also noted that no police firearms were used during the arrest.
The incident, which led to the deaths of three family members on Tuesday evening in the town of Bushey, just northwest of London, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Police were quick to indicate a targeted nature of this attack, stating they believe the suspect knew the victims, though a motive is yet uncirculated publicly.
The victims, identified by authorities as Carol Hunt, and her two daughters, were members of a community left reeling by their loss. Carol was widely recognized as the wife of renowned BBC horse racing commentator Johnached by police to keep vigilant and avoid approaching Clifford, warning he might still be armed.
This extreme use of a crossbow highlights a rare but emerging threat, with less than 10 similar incidents recorded in the UK between 2011 and 2021. Currently, UK law mandates that crossbows can be purchased by individuals over 18 years old without a license; however, carrying such weapons in public without justifiable cause is punishable by up to four years in prison.
In response to the events, extensive law enforcement resources were mobilized across Hertfordshire and northern London, including the deployment of armed units, uncommonly seen in the UK due to stringent firearms regulations.
This violent episode occurs in the broader context of rising concerns over weapon-related crimes in the UK, including knife crimes, despite the country’s rigid gun laws. The government, prompted by additional crossbow-related incidents, has proposed reviewing these laws to possibly include stricter controls and oversight.
The impact of the incident extends to the highest levels of government. Britain’s interior minister, Yvette Cooper, described the killings as “truly shocking” and has been closely monitoring updates. She urged the public to support police efforts by providing any relevant information.
Police reported that the emergency services responded swiftly to the scene where they discovered the women with severe injuries. Despite the efforts of paramedics, all three victims were declared dead at the location. In their initial statement, police underscored the traumatic impact on the victims’ family, requesting that their privacy be respected during this profoundly difficult time.
The local community and others across the UK are left struggling with the ramifications of this horrifying event, prompting discussions about safety and the adequacy of existing laws concerning weapon possession and use.