A manhunt is underway in London for three women, believed to be relatives of a BBC journalist, who were killed in a “targeted” crossbow attack.
Police were called to a house in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, at around 7pm local time on Tuesday.
Hertfordshire Police Chief Constable Jon Simpson asked 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, believed to be the former partner of one of the women, to contact police about the incident.
The victims, aged 25, 28 and 61, were all pronounced dead at the scene.
“Our overarching goal today is to protect public safety and locate Kyle Clifford, who is wanted in connection with the murder of the three women. We believe this is a targeted incident,” he said.
“The manhunt also involves armed police officers and specialised search teams who are responding urgently following this horrific incident.
“If members of the public see Kyle Clifford, they are urged not to approach him and to call 999 immediately.”
The Chief Supt. asked Mr Clifford to contact the police himself.
“This incident is obviously of concern to local residents. Additional officers will be on site today, so please speak to them if necessary,” he added.
According to British media reports, the women are related to BBC sports journalist John Hunt.
It is reported that the 26-year-old woman was Mr Clifford’s ex-partner. It is not known if any weapons other than a crossbow were involved.
People in surrounding areas are being urged to remain vigilant as several police forces search for the suspected killer.
Jonathan Ash-Edwards, police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire, said his thoughts were with the family.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of the women who have lost their shocking lives in this horrific incident in Bushey,” he said.
“I will be kept updated by the police and urge the public to assist the police with any information regarding the whereabouts of the named suspect.”
Local resident Francis Turner said there were “about 30 police officers” surrounding the street.
“My husband and I were watching football when we heard sirens and screaming,” she told the Sun. Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he heard a woman screaming before police arrived at the scene.
“It was between 6:30 and 7:00 last night and it literally just sounded like kids screaming, someone, and then it got more shrill and I thought, ‘That’s definitely a woman screaming’ and within 15 minutes it was absolute chaos.”