Police said they were searching for a 26-year-old man, named as Kyle Clifford, in connection with the deaths, who could be in the British capital or the neighboring county of Hertfordshire.
Police were called to a house in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday evening, where they found three seriously injured women who later died from their wounds.
The victims of the triple murder were identified as the wife, Carol Hunt, and two daughters, of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, the UK’s public broadcaster said on Wednesday. Police said earlier that the deceased, aged 25, 28 and 61, were killed in what is believed to have been a “targeted incident.”
A crossbow is believed to have been used in the triple killing, though police said Wednesday that other weapons may also have been used.
Police have asked the public not to approach the suspect.
‘Utterly devastating’
The BBC described the women’s deaths as “utterly devastating” in a statement to staff. The broadcaster said it would give Hunt “all the support we can” as part of the note sent to BBC 5 Live staff.
“The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating,” it added. “Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said she is being kept “fully updated” by police on the ongoing manhunt.
“The loss of three women’s lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the family & friends of those who have been killed & with the community,” Cooper wrote on X Wednesday.
“I am being kept fully updated. I urge people to support Hertfordshire Police with any information about this case,” she added.
A neighbor of the victims said she “would see them every day passing by and they would say good morning,” according to PA Media.
“It’s really sad what’s happened, very shocking,” she added.
CNN’s Eve Brennan contributed reporting.
