John Hunt family latest: Crossbow recovered and suspect Kyle Clifford remains in hospital in serious condition

Police officers on Thursday were again stationed outside Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London, where triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, 26, was found with injuries.

Deadly crossbows can be easily bought online for as little as £50, writes Jabed Ahmed:

Police say they are determined to understand what led to the murders of Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt at their Bushey home.

Officers have confirmed they had had no previous contact with Kyle Clifford or the three murder victims.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family and loved ones at this devastating and indescribable time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“This was an unprecedented attack and we are determined to understand the full circumstances of what happened that evening and the events leading up to it.

“This investigation, as I’m sure people can imagine, will take time.

“I’d like to reiterate my sincere thanks to the members of public who contacted us yesterday and helped with our inquiries.”

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has branded the murders “awful”.

“First let me just say how awful this is in relation to crossbows,” he said.

“The Home Secretary has announced that she will look at the legislation. There was no getting away from just how awful this is.”

Search officers have retrieved what appeared to be two computer hard drives and two document bags from the house in Enfield believed to be linked to Kyle Clifford’s brother.

Two officers had to carry one of the hard drives, while another three members of staff bundled the other evidence into a van.

Police have been searching the house in Rendlesham Road, Enfield, since Wednesday.

The Rector of Bushey, who hosted a church vigil for the three victims, said their deaths had brought the community together as “one big family”.

Father David Stevenson said: “Today is very much about supporting the community.

“This might sound strange but [this tragedy] has actually strengthened the community and brought it together, which is a wonderful thing.

“We realise that we are just one big family,” he told PA.

Police have not yet been able to question suspect Kyle Clifford because he is too ill, they say.

“The suspect of a triple murder in Bushey continues to receive medical treatment in a London hospital,” Hertfordshire police said.

“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon (10 July) following a police manhunt.

“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.”

Two fundraising efforts have been launched for John Hunt, who lost his wife and two of his three daughters in the Bushey murders.

A JustGiving drive had raised £1,823 by mid-afternoon on Thursday, while a GoFundMe effort had raised £155.

Police investigating the three murders say they have found a crossbow.

“Kyle Clifford, who was wanted in connection with the incident, was located yesterday afternoon following a police manhunt,” Herts police said.

“At this stage, he is currently in a serious condition and is yet to speak with officers.

“A crossbow has been recovered as part of the investigation.”