Urgent manhunt as police name prime suspect in triple murder - public warned killer may be carrying a crossbow
Police have named Kyle Clifford as the prime suspect
Police handout
Police have launched a major manhunt for the prime suspect wanted in connection with a triple murder in Hertfordshire.
Detectives say they urgently want to trace Kyle Clifford who may still be in possession of a crossbow and are warning the public not to approach the 26-year-old.
Emergency services were called to a house in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday.
Police and paramedics found three severely injured women at the scene and desperately tried to save their lives, but the victims died at the scene a short time later.
Detectives say they urgently want to trace Kyle Clifford who may still be in possession of a crossbow
Investigators said the three women were related.
Police have confirmed that suspect Kyle Clifford is from Enfield in north London, and believe he could be either in the Hertfordshire or north London area.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: "This is an incredibly difficult incident for the victims' family and we would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
"Whilst we are still in the early stages of this investigation, we are actively seeking Kyle Clifford who we believe could be in the areas of Hertfordshire or north London.
The detective superintendent said that given the serious nature of the incident, the public should not approach Clifford.
If anyone sees him, or has information on his whereabouts, they are being urged to dial 999 immediately.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Police have named Kyle Clifford as the prime suspectPolice handoutPolice warned that their prime suspect may still be in possession of a weapon.
Extra police patrols are operating around the scene of the triple murder in Bushey to help reassure the public.
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed they sent multiple resources to the scene in Bushey.
"Three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer vehicle, the Hazardous Area Response Team, the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and London Air Ambulance were sent to the scene.
"Sadly, despite the team's best efforts, three women were pronounced dead at the scene."
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, told the PA news agency they did not know the victims well, but "they were a friendly family."
She added: "We would see them every day passing by and they would say good morning.
"It's really sad what's happened, very shocking."
Emergency services were called to a house in Ashlyn Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, just after 7pm on Tuesday
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Local councillors for the area Louise Nicolas, Alan Matthews and Paul Richards said in a joint statement: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident which took place in the heart of out local community.
"As North Bushey councillors, we extend our thoughts and condolences to their families and all those affected.
"We would encourage anyone who had information relevant to the inquiry to contact police."
The Home Secretary is being kept “fully updated” on the killings and has urged anyone with information about the case to contact police.
Yvette Cooper said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: “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.
“I am being kept fully updated. I urge people to support (Hertfordshire Police) with any information about this case.”