BBC issues statement after commentator John Hunt's wife and daughters victims of triple murder as manhunt continues

BBC staff have been issued with a statement following the horrific deaths of commentator John Hunt's wife and two daughters.

The three women were victims of a crossbow attack in Hertfordshire, the broadcaster has confirmed. Police have launched a large scale manhunt following the incident.

Staff at BBC 5 Live have been sent a note following the attack. In the statement, the organisation described the incident as 'utterly devastating'.

Bushey triple murder LIVE: Latest updates as BBC commentator John Hunt's wife and daughters victims

The note 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.”

The victims are reported to be the wife and daughters racing commentator Mr Hunt, who it is understood had been working for the BBC racing on Tuesday and may have raised the alarm when he returned home. Carol Hunt, Hannah Hunt and Louise Hunt, aged 61, 28 and 25 have since been named as the victims.

Kyle Clifford is being hunted in connection with the killings of three women. Police have warned he is believed to armed with a crossbow and other weapons.

Today Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said the attack last night in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, Hertfordshire was a 'targeted incident' and Clifford, 26, was 'wanted in connection with murder'.

He said: "Our overarching objective today is to protect public safety and to locate Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women in what we believe is a targeted incident. We have extensive police resources deployed to various locations in north London and also the Bushey area."