The BBC have described the crossbow deaths of the wife and two daughters of racing commentator John Hunt as “utterly devastating”.

As part of a note sent to BBC 5 Live staff on Wednesday, the organisation said it would provide Mr Hunt with “all the support we can” following the murders of Carol Hunt and her two daughters in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

A massive manhunt has been launched for their suspected killer, Kyle Clifford, 26, who is believed by police to be armed and in Hertfordshire or north London.

The note to BBC 5 Live staff read: “The news today about John Hunt’s family is utterly devastating.

“Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time and we will provide him with all the support we can.”