Heartbreaking text BBC commentator John Hunt’s daughter sent as she was found ‘alive with crossbow bolt in her chest’

He lost his wife and two daughters in a horrific crossbow attack

Hannah Hunt, the daughter of BBC commentator John Hunt, texted for help during the tragic crossbow attack at the family home, it was revealed at the family’s inquest.

Hannah, 28, her sister Louise, 25 and their mother Carol, 61, were found fatally injured in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on the evening of July 9 2024.

Mrs Hunt died from stab wounds to her chest and abdomen. Her daughters both died from crossbow bolt injuries.

Kyle Clifford, 26, was found injured in Enfield, north London a day after a police manhunt was launched. Clifford – Louise Hunt’s ex – was arrested on 11 July on suspicion of three counts of murder.

Earlier this month he pleaded guilty and was handed a whole-life order by a judge. This means he will never be released from prison.

Tonight (March 26), Channel 5 airs its look at the tragedy in documentary The Crossbow Murders: The Killings That Shocked Britain.

BBC racing commentator John Hunt lost his wife Carol and daughters Hannah and Louise in the crossbow attack (Credit: YouTube)

Hannah Hunt’s text

As the tragic attack unfolded, Hannah Hunt bravely texted an unnamed person telling them she was “tied up”. She also asked them to call the police. She then told them the person responsible was still in the house.

It was also revealed at the inquest that Hannah managed to call the police and give her address before the call cut out.

She dialled 999 and reported that she had been shot, as had her mother and sister.

When officers arrived they found Hannah alive in the main doorway of the home with a crossbow bolt still in her chest, the coroner was told.

John Hunt’s final text to his daughter Louise

At Clifford’s trial, it was also revealed that he had texted BBC commentator John Hunt from Louise’s phone during the attack.

Posing as Louise, Clifford asked: “What time are you home?” John, who was at work at a race meeting, replied: “Late, I’m afraid. Everything okay, sweetness?”

Clifford callously replied, again posing as Louise: “Just want to check. The races on Saturday start a little later than usual. I think it’s 4.30pm-7.30pm. Then there’s a famous DJ after racing. Is that sounding okay?”

Jealous ex Clifford tied Louise up and raped her before murdering her.

John said he was left devastated by deaths of his wife and daughters (Credit: YouTube)

‘Devastation cannot be put into words’

Paying tribute to his wife and daughters after their death, Mr Hunt and his surviving daughter Amy said: “The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words.”

John bravely returned to work weeks after the tragedy.

He commentated on a race meeting in Brighton – for a very poignant reason.

“It’s been 60 days since my girls, Carol, Hannah and Louise, were killed and, whilst Amy and I still feel so wounded and vulnerable, returning to work at Brighton felt achievable and realistic,” he said.

“Carol and I had our last weekend away together in Brighton at the end of May. Looking out from the press box, out to sea, my knees buckled recalling us on the wild rapids ride on the pier just over three months ago.

“Soaked to the skin and laughing like teenagers. But I know the girls are with me at all times. And they would have been gently encouraging me to take a breath or two, and stride on.”