One of the victims of suspected crossbow killer Kyle Clifford had been in a “controlling” relationship with him for at least six months, a family friend said tonight.
Louise Hunt, 25, is said to have introduced Clifford to her family earlier this year and took him to a cousin’s birthday party in April.
Although he seemed like a “nice guy,” he still tried to control her, such as preventing her from wearing makeup, staying out late, and not having male friends.
Louise was murdered along with her mother Carol, 61, and sister Hannah, 28, at their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday evening.
Clifford, who was captured on neighbours’ CCTV leaving the property carrying a crossbow wrapped in a white sheet, is currently in a “serious condition” in hospital after being tracked down by armed officers at a north London cemetery last night following a 22-hour manhunt.
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘Kyle was controlling and made fun of Louise.
Louise Hunt, 25, is said to have introduced Kyle Clifford (pictured together) to her family at the start of the year and took him to a cousin’s birthday party in April.
Friends say they tried to control Louise (pictured), including stopping her from wearing makeup, staying up late and having male friends.
Clifford, who was caught on CCTV footage from neighbours leaving the property with a crossbow wrapped in a white sheet, is currently in a ‘serious condition’ in hospital
Hannah Hunt, 28, and mother Carol Hunt, 61, were also killed in the tragic attack on Tuesday
‘In public he presented himself as a nice guy, but in private life he was anything but.
‘There had been no previous incidents of violence against Louise – we certainly didn’t know about any – but he forced himself on her.
‘It was certain things, like Louise used to like wearing make-up but later stopped. And that was thanks to Kyle.
‘I’m not sure how they met, but they had been together since April, because he went to a family party with Louise.
‘She had introduced him to her parents, who are very nice people and were eager to accept him into their family.
“But there were red flags. And when Louise broke up with Kyle, I think they were very relieved.
‘What happened is incomprehensible, it’s horrible. They were such an incredibly sweet, friendly family. And they were well known in Bushey for their various businesses.
“They were so loved. It completely devastated the community.”
Hannah’s best friend, Abdul Morsli, 28, from Harrow, laid a floral tribute at the police cordon this evening.
Abdul Morsli told how the Hunt family took him in and invited him to Ascot two years ago. He is pictured with John (left) and Hannah (right)
Abdul, pictured with Hannah, said: “I’ve known Hannah since I was 13 and we were at school together. She was so lovely, a really great person.”
Fighting back tears, he told how Carol and her husband John, a commentator on BBC Five Live, took him in five years ago when he needed somewhere else to stay.
He said, ‘I lived with them for about three or four months when I went through some things and needed help.
‘Without hesitation they invited me into their home.
‘Carol treated me like her own son. She cooked me a meal every night and John invited me to Royal Ascot two years ago.
‘I’ve known Hannah since I was 13 and we went to school together. She was so sweet, a really great person.
“She came from a beautiful family. They were so generous and welcoming. I can’t describe how wonderful they are.”
Abdul said Louise was in a relationship with Clifford last Christmas, saying: ‘She was in love with him.
‘Hannah was convinced that they would get married one day… but there were problems with his controlling behavior.
‘I think Louise tried to keep it a secret, but I know he didn’t like her coming home late – even though they didn’t live together – and he really didn’t like her having male friends.’
Police have not yet spoken to Clifford, who remains under sedation in hospital, but they say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the triple murder.