Dan Walker in awe at Mark Chapman's tearful on-air tribute to John Hunt after brutal tragedy

Dan Walker has been left in awe of Mark Chapman's tearful tribute to BBC racing commentator John Hunt after his family were killed in a horrific triple murder.

Hunt's wife Carol, 61, and his two daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were killed at their home in Hertfordshire on Tuesday, in a suspected crossbow attack. After a huge manhunt was sparked, suspect Kyle Clifford was captured by armed police in a cemetery in Enfield yesterday.

The chilling triple killing has horrified the nation and sent shockwaves across the sport media world, where Hunt is a much-respected figure. Tributes have poured in for the commentator and his family, with the BBC describing the news as "utterly devastating," and adding: "Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”

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One of those to pay tribute was Hunt's colleague and friend Chapman, who opened BBC5 Live Sport's coverage of England's Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands on Wednesday night with an emotional statement. As he fought back tears, his voice quivered as he sent his "love and support" to Hunt and his family.

"This has been a heartbreaking day," the presenter said. "John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 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.”

Chapman's heartfelt tribute left some viewers in tears and former BBC presenter Walker was among those to praise him for his touching words. Taking to X, the Channel 5 News host shared a clip of the moment and praised Chapman - who himself lost his wife to cancer in 2020 - for finding the perfect words in light of the tragedy.

"The football was amazing last night and we are so blessed to have brilliant commentators in the UK," said Walker. "John Hunt is one of the best and his world was ripped apart yesterday when his wife and daughters were murdered.

"Mark Chapman knows himself how brutal life can be at times. Give yourself a moment to listen to how he introduced the football after the news about his colleague and friend had just been reported in the bulletin before he started."

Walker had earlier posted his own tribute to Hunt's family, writing: "Just read through the news about John Hunt and his family. Absolutely devastating. Great commentator and an even better man. What a terrible tragedy."

Figures from across the racing community also sent their condolences to Hunt, with pundit Matt Chapman writing on X: "No words needed for what has happened to Hunty Caller and family today. Impossible to comprehend the pain. Just know we are all here for you John. We love you pal - racing loves you."

Fellow racing commentator Mike Vince said: "John Hunt was, is, and always will be one of the best broadcasting professionals I have ever had the honour of working with, and one of the nicest members of the human race. My heart bleeds for him. This is simply shattering."

British Horseracing Authority chief executive Julie Harrington added: "The thoughts of everyone at the BHA are with John Hunt, his family and friends at this shocking and tragic time. It is impossible to comprehend the horror that has been inflicted upon them by this dreadful event.

"John is a great friend to many in our sport and I am sure that in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have seen many times before when one of our number is faced with great trauma."