'KILLER' IN COURT
‘Crossbow killer’ denies murdering BBC star’s wife and two daughters in horror attack – as he now faces rape charge
Suspect had been in a relationship with one of the victims
A MAN has denied murdering a BBC star's wife and two daughters in a horror crossbow attack - as he now also faces a rape charge.
Carol Hunt, 61, Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28, were found dead at the family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, in July.
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Louise's ex Kyle Clifford was arrested following a manhunt but was unable to be interviewed while he was treated for an injury in hospital.
The 26-year-old appeared at Cambridge Crown Court today where he pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder.
The court was told he has now been further charged with rape but is yet to enter a plea.
He allegedly raped Louise on July 9 - the same day the family were killed.
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Clifford also denied false imprisonment after allegedly tying Louise up and two counts of possession of offensive weapons.
This relates to a 10-inch butcher's knife and a crossbow, the court heard.
The false imprisonment charge states Clifford allegedly "assaulted and unlawfully and injuriously imprisoned Louise Hunt and detained her against her will".
Clifford, who appeared via video-link from HMP Belmarsh, was remanded into custody ahead of a provisional trial on March 3.
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The court was told previously that Hannah managed to phone police to tell them her mum and sister had been shot and she feared "she was going to die".
The phonecall then cut off before brave Hannah re-established contact and an ambulance was called, it was said.
Police arrived at the home to find the front door open and Louise tied up, the court was told.
Her sister Hannah had been shot with a crossbow, while mum Carol was stabbed to death with a knife, it was said.
The horror unfolded at around 7pm on July 9 as neighbours heard disturbing screams on the quiet residential street.
The bodies of the three women were found inside their £800,000 suburban home.
It is understood the BBC racing commentator John Hunt was informed of the tragedy as he returned from work at Lingfield Park.
A manhunt was launched for Clifford, with footage showing a man striding away from the scene clutching a large weapon.
Hertfordshire Police took the unusual step of naming and picturing Clifford, who served in the Queen's Dragoon Guards, as the search for the alleged killer widened.
An inquest heard previously Carol died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen while Hannah and Louise died from crossbow bolt injuries.
The court was told tragic Hannah had text an unnamed person to reveal she had been "tied up".
She then begged them to call the police as the suspect was still in the house.
John and surviving daughter Amy previously released a statement saying their devastation "cannot be put into words".
They added: “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."
In a further statement read to Sky Sports Racing viewers by colleague Matt Chapman, John paid tribute to his "inspirational" surviving daughter.
He said: "Notwithstanding the horrid evil that's swept through our lives, wreaking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read.
"Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me, which I am trying so hard to replicate.
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"Every message has felt so important, the same as a reassuring hug.
"We know people are worried about us. We will get through this."
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