Kyle Clifford 'killed Hunt family with butchers knife and crossbow'

The 26-year-old from Rendlesham Road, Enfield, appeared remotely at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning (September 17) charged with three counts of murder, false imprisonment and two counts of possession of offensive weapons over the killings in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, on July 9.

He did not speak during the hearing due to a "voice injury" but nodded to confirm his name, age and address.

Kyle Clifford. (Image: Herts Police)

On the video link, the 26-year-old wore a beige jumper with longer hair and beard than his photo which was widely circulated by police during the manhunt.

David Burns, prosecuting, told the court how police were called to Ashlyn Close by Hannah Hunt, who told them Clifford was in the house and had shot her, her sister and her mother.

Clifford did not speak during the hearing due to a voice injury, but nodded to confirm his name, age and address. (Image: PA) "She feared she was going to die," he added.

When police attended, they found the front door to the house open and Hannah in the doorway.

(Image: Newsquest) Inside they found Louise, who had also been shot while tied up, and their mother Carol who had been "stabbed with a knife and had suffered multiple injuries".

All three received medical attention but passed away at the scene, the court heard.

Kyle Clifford had "shot himself" with the crossbow when he was later apprehended in a cemetery in Enfield the following day, leading to his hospitalisation.

As well as their murder, Clifford was charged with possession of an offensive weapon as he reportedly used a "10-inch butchers knife" and a compound crossbow with the MXT405 serial number, from the Hori-Zone company.

Hannah, Louise and Carol Hunt (Image: free) He was also charged with "assaulting and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoning Louise Hunt and detained her against her will".

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He remains in custody before the next hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice at 2pm later today. It is not clear if he will enter a plea or it will be a case management hearing.

Clifford appeared remotely at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning. (Image: Gabriel Roberts) Officers had previously been unable to interview Kyle Clifford whilst he received treatment for an injury in hospital, where he remained under arrest.