Kyle Clifford: Police urge triple murder suspect to turn himself in - as officers warn of 'other weapons'

The murders of three women in Hertfordshire was a "targeted incident" that involved a crossbow and possibly other weapons, police have said as they urged the suspect to turn himself in.

Officers are urgently trying to find 26-year-old Kyle Clifford who is wanted over the murders.

"Kyle, if you're seeing or hearing this, please make contact with the police," chief superintendent Jon Simpson said.

Emergency crews were sent to a property in Ashlyn Close, Bushey, just before 7pm on Tuesday.

They found three women - believed to be related - with serious injuries and they died a short time later at the scene.

The women are aged 25, 28 and 61, police said.

Hertfordshire Police said it was investigating the triple murder and "actively seeking" Clifford, who is from Enfield, north London.

The public has been urged not to approach Clifford and to report any sightings to the police immediately.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall 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."

Mr Hall added: "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.

"Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately. If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon."

A spokesperson for East of England Ambulance Service said a hazardous area response team and air ambulance crews were sent to the scene.

"Sadly, despite the team's best efforts, three women were pronounced dead at the scene," an ambulance spokesperson said.

'Tragic' and 'shocking' deaths

A man who lives close to the murder scene in Bushley said the incident was "tragic".

Riaz, in his 50s, told Sky News a dozen police cars swarming the "serene, quiet" suburban road.

"This has been an awful situation and I can't even imagine what the family must be going through.

"My wife and I walk down that road often and it is quiet. It is surprising, especially in the magnitude. To have three individuals who have been tragically killed, it is tragic."

Another neighbour described the incident as "shocking".

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said she did not know the victims well but described them as 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."

One man said: "It was like an explosion in the street of police cars and ambulances and officers."

Derek Turner told Sky News around 10 police cars pulled up outside the house at 7pm and he knew it was "very serious".

"We didn't know what was going on... we didn't have a clue. Suddenly, there were police outside in black uniforms with sort of semi-automatic guns walking around," he added.

"Initially, I thought it might be terrorists or something. It's been a bit of a shock because it's a really residential area.

"Nothing much ever really goes on here."

Calls for more information

The home secretary is being kept "fully updated" on the situation and has urged anyone with information about the case to contact police.

Yvette Cooper tweeted: "The loss of three women's lives in Bushey last night is truly shocking. My thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have been killed and with the community.

"I am being kept fully updated. I urge people to support [Hertfordshire Police] with any information about this case."

In a statement, local councillors 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."

-sky news