Mark Chapman fights back tears as he halts Euro 2024 commentary to honour John Hunt's slain family

The BBC's Mark Chapman began the pre-match commentary for England's encounter with the Netherlands with an emotionally charged tribute to John Hunt's slain family. Back on airwaves courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live this Wednesday, July 10, Chapman was all set for the Euro 2024 semi-final but kicked off his show by addressing the devastating deaths within John Hunt's family.

The man's wife and two daughters tragically lost their lives in an atrocious crossbow attack. Taking charge of his broadcast, Mark announced: "Good evening from Germany, we have a football match to bring you tonight and we will do and we will start our build-up to it shortly. Today has been a heart-breaking day."

He shared: "John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5live sport team but to all of those who worked here with him for the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his commentaries." With a touch of emotion creeping into his voice, he added: "And so, on behalf of everyone connected to 5Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family."

Sympathies poured in for the racing commentator from his BBC colleagues this Wednesday after it was released that his wife Carol, 61, along with their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were discovered fatally injured in their Bushey, Hertfordshire abode the preceding Tuesday during evening hours, reports the Mirror.

There are claims that John may have alerted authorities upon arriving home from his Tuesday stint with the BBC at around 7pm. The wife of the 61-year-old broadcaster, Carol, has been identified locally as one of the victims, alongside their two daughters. Hertfordshire police disclosed this information at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old man suspected of carrying out the attacks, was apprehended by armed forces at a cemetery in Enfield, North London, where he was given treatment for injuries.

In reaction to the horrifying incident, the BBC issued a statement, which was circulated to BBC 5 Live employees on Wednesday. It described the tragic news as "utterly devastating". The circulated note quoted: "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."