A MAN has appeared in court accused of murdering a BBC star’s wife and his two daughters in a horrific crossbow attack.
Carol Hunt, 61, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were allegedly tied up before being killed in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in June.
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Louise’s ex Kyle Clifford was arrested following a manhunt but was unable to be interviewed while he was treated for an injury in hospital.
The 26-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with three counts of murder.
Clifford is also accused of false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
He was remanded into custody to next appear at the Royal Courts of Justice this afternoon.
The horror unfolded at around 7pm on July 9 as neighbours heard disturbing screams on the quiet residential street.
The bodies of the three women were found inside their £800,000 suburban home.
It is understood the BBC racing commentator John Hunt was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing Clifford, who served in the Queen‘s Dragoon Guards, as the search for the alleged killer widened.
An inquest heard previously Carol died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen while Hannah and Louise died from crossbow bolt injuries.
The court was told tragic Hannah had text an unnamed person to reveal she had been “tied up”.
She then begged them to call the police as the suspect was still in the house.
Brave Hannah then managed to call police herself to report she had been shot along with her mum and sister.
The beautician gave officers her address before the phone cut out, the hearing was told.
Senior coroner for Hertfordshire Geoffrey Sullivan adjourned the inquest while criminal proceedings are underway.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation “cannot be put into words”.
They added: “We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days.
“These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.”
In a further statement read to Sky Sports Racing viewers by colleague Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his “inspirational” surviving daughter.
He said: “Notwithstanding the horrid evil that’s swept through our lives, wreaking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read.
“Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying so hard to replicate.
“Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug.
“We know people are worried about us. We will get through this.”
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