The daughter of BBC racing commentator John Hunt, who died after an attack at her home, was still alive and had a crossbow bolt in her chest when police arrived, the opening of an inquest has heard.

Hannah Hunt, 28, was able to text someone pleading for help, telling them she had been “tied up” at the family home in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, on July 9.

The text asked the unnamed member of the public to call the police, telling them the person responsible was still at the house, a coroner’s officer told the short hearing.

Ms Hunt was then able to call 999, reporting that she had been shot, as had her mother and sister, the 10-minute hearing at Hertfordshire Coroner’s Court was told.

She gave her address before the call cut out.

When officers arrived they found her alive in the main doorway of the home, with a crossbow bolt still in her chest, senior coroner for Hertfordshire Geoffrey Sullivan heard.

Members of the congregation attending a morning service and vigil at St James’s church in Bushey.Members of the congregation attending a morning service and vigil at St James’s church in Bushey. (Image: PA)

Carol Hunt, 61, died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, while her daughters Hannah and Louise, 25, died from crossbow bolt injuries, the hearing was told.

The coroner adjourned the inquest to allow any criminal proceeding to take place.

Police have still not been able to question suspect Kyle Clifford after he was arrested on suspicion of killing the mother and two daughters.

Pictures left on floral tributes at Ashlyn Close, Bushey.Pictures left on floral tributes at Ashlyn Close, Bushey. (Image: PA)

The three women were found fatally injured just after 7pm.

A massive manhunt was launched for Clifford, who was found just under 24 hours later with what were thought to be self-inflicted injuries in the Hilly Fields area of Enfield, north London.

A statement released by John Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy said: "The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words.

People leave flowers at Ashlyn Close, Bushey.People leave flowers at Ashlyn Close, Bushey. (Image: PA)

“We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days. These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful.

“As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us, and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process.

"While this is happening, we would ask that our privacy and that of our wider family and relations be respected at this time.

"Thank you.”