Police search for man who may have crossbow after three women killed in Bushey – latest updates | UK news

A resident living near the scene of the triple murder has told Sky News that suddenly last night there was a large number of police cars in the street, and that some of the officers were armed. He said that at first he thought it must have been a terrorism incident. He told viewers

It was like an explosion in the street of police cars and ambulances. I would say in just this little bit here there were at least ten police cars. And we didn’t know what was going on. We didn’t have a clue. And suddenly there were police outside in black uniforms with semi-automatic guns walking around. So I initially thought it might be terrorists or something.

But that’s all I can say. It’s all been blocked off. It’s been a bit of a shock because it’s a really residential area. Nothing much ever goes on around here at all apart from people going back and forwards to work.

Local councillor Laurence Brass has spoken to the BBC, saying that the area near the triple murder is “a typical leafy British suburb”.

He said:

At about eight o’clock last night, I was watching the football on television, and suddenly a helicopter landed in the lawn outside my flat, which is at the top of this road, and then my phone started going, and I was told that there was a major incident here in Bushey and we should all keep away because there was somebody apparently on the run.

[It’s a] terrible shock and our sympathies and prayers and thoughts are with the families of the three women. That really is a terrible thing to happen to anybody, and I’ve gathered they’re all from the same family, which obviously makes it even more tragic, and we’ll do everything we can as the local council to add our source of comfort where we can.

New home secretary Yvette Cooper has issued a statement on social media about the murders, saying:

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.

Here are a couple of images of the scene in Bushey where three women have been murdered. They were discovered injured last night but attempts to save their lives were unsuccessful. Police are searching for a 26-year-old man, Kyle Clifford, in connection with the murders. They have warned the public that he might be in Hertfordshire or Enfield, and that he should not be approached as he may be armed with a crossbow.

Local councillors for the North Bushey area have told PA Media they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news of the deaths.

Louise Nicolas, Alan Matthews and Paul Richards said:

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 our local community. As North Bushey councillors, we extend our thoughts and condolences to their families and all those affected. We would encourage anyone who has information relevant to the inquiry to contact police.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said she did not know the victims well but they were a friendly family.

“We would see them every day passing by and they would say good morning,” she said. “It’s really sad what’s happened, very shocking.”

An East of England ambulance service spokesperson has confirmed that air ambulances were dispatched as part of the attempts to save the lives of the three women murdered in Bushey.

They said:

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.

Police warn suspect may be armed with a crossbow

Police warn public not to approach Clifford and make appeal for witnesses

What we know so far …