Hannah Hunt's terrifying last moments in crossbow murders after desperately trying to escape

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Hannah Hunt was still alive, with a crossbow bolt embedded in her chest, when police arrived at the horrific scene of a brutal attack.

Last summer, BBC racing commentator John Hunt's wife, Carol, and their daughters, Hannah and Louise, were tragically killed in their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire. Kyle Clifford, who carried out the attack on July 9, has since pleaded guilty to the murders of all three women.

An inquest revealed that Carol died from multiple stab wounds to her chest and abdomen, while Hannah and Louise both succumbed to injuries caused by crossbow bolts. Before her death, 28-year-old Hannah made a desperate attempt to escape, managing to text a friend for help. In the message, she said she had been "tied up" and begged the friend to contact the police, warning that the attacker was still in the house.

Despite her critical injuries, Hannah displayed extraordinary bravery. She called 999, informing emergency services that she, her mother, and her sister had been shot. She provided her address before the call was abruptly cut off, reports the Mirror.

Prosecutor David Burns told the court in a July hearing: "Police were called to the property by Hannah Hunt, who reported that she, her mother, and her sister had been shot and expressed fear that she was going to die." Though her call was interrupted, she managed to reconnect and request an ambulance, but the line disconnected again shortly after.

When police arrived at the home just after 7 pm, they found Hannah near the doorway, gravely injured but alive, with a crossbow bolt lodged in her chest. Inside, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of Louise, who had been restrained and shot with a crossbow, and Carol, who had sustained multiple stab wounds.

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Following an intensive 24-hour manhunt, Clifford was apprehended in a graveyard near his residence in Enfield, North London. He was found with severe, self-inflicted injuries.

Prosecutor Burns recounted the scene during a Westminster Magistrates’ Court hearing: "Police discovered the front door open. Hannah was lying near the doorway, having been shot in the chest with a crossbow. Inside, they found Louise Hunt tied up and also shot with a crossbow. Their mother, Carol Hunt, was found with multiple knife wounds."

Local residents described the neighborhood's descent into chaos on the night of the attack. One witness, 46, recalled: "It was between 6.30 and 7pm when I first heard what sounded like kids screaming. But then it became more piercing, and I thought, 'That's definitely a woman screaming.' Within 15 minutes, everything erupted—armed police were running, yelling for us to stay inside. They locked us down completely."

The devastating loss has left John Hunt and his surviving daughter, Amy, grappling with unimaginable grief. Amy, who was not at home during the attack, has been a pillar of strength for her father. In a tribute read by his Sky Sports Racing colleague Matt Chapman, John spoke of Amy’s resilience and the overwhelming support they have received: "The devastation we are experiencing is beyond words.

"Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational, providing me with unwavering strength and support. I’m trying so hard to follow her example. The messages of kindness we’ve received have been as comforting as a warm embrace. We know people are concerned for us, and we will get through this."

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