Home Secretary being kept "fully updated" as Bushey manhunt continues

The Home Secretary is being kept "fully updated" on the killings of the three women who were found in Bushey, Hertfordshire, and has urged anyone with information about the case to contact police.

Yvette Cooper said in a post on X, formerly Twitter: "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."

Detectives are continuing their searches for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, who they say is wanted in connection with the incident.

It's believed he may be armed with a crossbow, and those who see him should contact police immediately.

Three women were found seriously injured at the home in Ashlyn Close, where they died a short time after.

It's believe they are related.

"It was like an explosion in the street of police cars"

Local resident Derrick Turner says the news this morning comes as "a bit of a shock" as the residential area usually is quiet.

Speaking earlier, he said: "It was like an explosion in the street of police cars.

"We didn't know what was going on, me or the neighbour, we didn't have a clue. They just suddenly noticed police outside, in black uniform, with semi-automatic guns walking around.

"They were here all last night, everything's been blocked off.

"It's been a bit of a shock because its a really residential area, and you know, nothing much ever goes on round here at all other than people going back forward to work."

Local Councillor's have also spoken out after the incident last night in Ashlyn Close.

Councillor Lawrence Brass, who lives close by the scene in Bushey, said: "I didn't know them personally but I knocked on their door, I was canvassing a few days ago for the General Election.

"I'm sure that their friends will be comforting the remains of the family that are left. These are all my representatives, I know them all.

"At 7pm last night a helicopter landed on the lawn in the development I live in which is 100 yards away from here, but it was an air ambulance, I'm told, and then rumours started circulating about a crossbow.

"The worst thing that's ever happened in this part of Bushey is a bit of illegal flytipping and then suddenly we get three murders and we're all a bit shellshocked.

"This is a very traditional, quiet, leafy suburb, we don't get this sort of thing in this area and I want residents to know that the council will be ensuring that the liaison team is down here and doing everything they can to comfort them and make sure that they are reassured that everything is being done.

"But we're worried that this guy is still floating around somewhere."

Cllr Louise Nicolas has also spoken out, on Facebook, in a post where she is urging people to not speculate online.

"I am deeply saddened to learn this morning of the tragic news that three women have lost their lives in a violent incident in the North Bushey Ward overnight.

"Along with my fellow councillors I offer my heartfelt condolences to all those affected. Should anyone wish to speak with us or require any support please do not hesitate to get in touch. "

"It goes without saying that this is a live investigation, so speculation as to the circumstances should not be entered into on this public forum."

The search continues.

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