Armed police have been conducting searches around the park and local area after three women were killed in Hertfordshire, reports James Cracknell and Kinga Plata

Armed police officers and a police helicopter have been deployed to the Hilly Fields area of Enfield as the hunt for the suspect in a triple killing continues.

Detectives from Hertfordshire Police investigating the deaths of three women in Bushey near Watford, last night (Tuesday 9th), are hunting for Enfield resident Kyle Clifford, aged 26, who they warn “may have a crossbow”.

The Dispatch now understands that armed police were deployed early this morning to Cooks Hole Road, Hilly Fields Park and the wider area, as well as near Gordon Hill Station, as part of their search for Clifford.

Schools and nurseries in the area have even been warned not to let their children outside while the manhunt continues.

Paige Ballmi, a local resident, said she had decided to take her young daughter to her mother’s for the day, on the other side of the borough. She told the Dispatch: “The helicopter was out for two hours this morning from about 8am to 10am and then it came back around 12pm.

“There was an unmarked police car by the park in Cooks Hole Road. One of the mums called me and said they [the nursery school] had been told not to let the kids out.

“I was worried because I don’t want to be home when this was happening, so I went to my mum’s in Brimsdown.”

Anyone who sees Clifford is advised to call 999 immediately. Any information about him can be reported online, an online web chat or via the non-emergency number 101, quoting Op Infauna.

Update 1.30pm

The Dispatch understands that Kyle Clifford is a former pupil of Chace Community School and that he lives in the area where police have been searching today. He is said to have a background in the military. It has also emerged that Kyle’s brother, Bradley, was convicted of murder in 2018 after mowing down an 18-year-old moped rider who he blamed for damaging his Ford Mustang.

Enfield North MP Feryal Clark has said: “I’m asking all those to remain vigilant as the police search continues for this man in the Enfield area. If you have any information please contact @HertsPolice with information on 101. If you believe you have seen him, please do not approach and dial 999 immediately.”

Update 2pm

It’s been reported by the Telegraph that the victims of last night’s attack were aged 25, 28 and 61 and that they were the family of BBC 5 Live racing commentator John Hunt, who alerted police after returning home to find his wife and two daughters had been attacked.

Update 4pm

A property in Rendlesham Road, thought to be the home of suspect Kyle Clifford, was raided by armed police this morning. The manhunt for him continues.

An Enfield Council spokesperson said: “We have been advised by the police that there is no perceived threat to the public so the guidance is to carry on as normal.

“Local schools have been advised that end of day school procedures should continue as per normal. “There will be an enhanced police presence in the area and around some schools to provide reassurance to pupils and parents.”

Metropolitan Police officers in Enfield are assisting the search for Kyle Clifford. A Hertfordshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “Whilst we are asking the public to remain vigilant, people should go about their business as normal at this time. At this stage there is no explicit wider threat to members of the public and no children have been involved.”

This story will be updated as more information becomes available

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