BBC star family's desperate final text and 999 call before 'crossbow murder'
BBC 5 Live commentator John Hunt’s family sent a desperate final text message asking for help and also managed to call 999 before they were murdered in their Hertfordshire home on the evening of Tuesday 9 July.
John’s wife Carol, 61, and daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were reportedly tied up before being shot and killed with a crossbow. An ex-soldier named Kyle Clifford has been apprehended by police following the murders and is currently under medical care after being found with injuries at Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, north London.
It has now been reported that screams were heard from the Hunt family’s house at around 7pm on Tuesday evening, and one of the victims managed to call the police after the suspect had fled, according to The Guardian.
It is understood that Hannah sent a text message to her partner before her death, asking him to call 999.
Louise is thought to have been in a relationship with Clifford, but the couple had split, and her last social media post was about women who escape abusive relationships.
“I admire women who leave, idgaf if you left after the 1st time or the 12th time I admire s***!” she wrote. ”Idgaf if ppl calling you dumb for 11 years but in the 12th year you decided you was done. It takes A LOT of strength to break a tie. It takes ALOT of self love to choose yo self.”
Following the deaths, Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Major Crime Unit said: "Following extensive inquiries, the suspect has been located and nobody else is being sought in connection with the investigation at this time.
"We have had an overwhelming number of calls and would like to express our gratitude to the members of the public who have contacted us. We would still appeal for anyone with information or footage to please contact police directly and refrain from commenting on social media as this could affect the progress of the case."
She added: "We have set up an information portal where people can submit any information, photos or video footage which they feel could assist us with our investigation."
On Wednesday, BBC 5 Live staff received a letter from the organisation. It read: “The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating. Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”
BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman also issued a statement. He said: "This has been a heartbreaking day. John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current Five Live Sport team but to all those who have worked with him over the past 20 years, and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries.
“On behalf of everybody connected to Five Live Sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family.”
The Hunts have another daughter, Amy, who lives in Birmingham.
