“We will get through this” – John Hunt family’s emotional message to Sky viewers

Hunt and Amy had earlier expressed to the wider media how the trauma they are experiencing “cannot be put into words” and asked for space to begin the grieving process.

Carol, Hannah and Louise were found fatally injured at their home in Bushey, just after 7pm on Tuesday. In tribute, there has been a minute’s silence at several horse racing meetings including the July Festival and Epsom, where Hunt was due to call races on Thursday. Jockeys competing wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

A moving speech from his fellow commentator and close friend Richard Hoiles on ITV Racing has been widely shared.

“It’s impossible to rationalise such a heinous, pointless and terrible act in modern day society really,” he said. “I’ve known John for 30 years, we started out together. And during that time he has become one of the most respected and liked members of the press room.

“Respected because of his fantastic ability, not just in racing but in other sports such as swimming for the BBC at the Olympics And liked because of his easy going personality, good sense of humour.

“He is excellent company. And if you spend even a few moments in his company, the odds are that the talk will turn to family. There are plenty of people in the press room, I have no idea of their family, but we all felt we knew Carol and the girls, possibly far better than we actually did.

“It was a bit of folklore that after our annual shindig at Christmas, twenty-odd years ago, we’d all retire to the local pub and out would come John’s wallet with pictures of the girls at primary school who he’d share with random bar staff and anyone else who’d care to listen.

“In the helter skelter of modern day life it’s quite easy to lose track of the things we hold dear. But John never has. I know I hugged my kids tighter last night on leaving for here knowing that that simple pleasure has been cruelly snatched away from one of mine and many in the press room’s greatest friends.

“Words seem hollow and inadequate in such circumstances and all we can try and do is provide some crumb of comfort by trying to exhibit the warmth and respect in which John and his family is held as will be shown by the many tributes that will be held up and down the country today and also here.”

Kyle Clifford, 26, from Enfield has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder, after he was located by officers in Lavender Hill Cemetery. Hertfordshire Police confirmed a crossbow had been recovered as part of the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Rob Hall, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with the victims’ family at this tragic time.

“The investigation is moving at pace and as a result, we have now arrested a man. Enquiries are continuing.”