Racing presenter John Hunt gives emotional statement on why he's returned to work weeks after family murdered

Racing commentator John Hunt has released an emotional statement after returning to work two months after several members of his family were murdered in a horrific crossbow attack.

Hunt made a return to the airwaves on Monday, calling all seven races on the card at Brighton for Sky Sports.

It was his first live broadcast since his wife Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were murdered at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9.

The three women were found fatally injured by crossbow bolts at their home, and a police manhunt later led to a suspect being apprehended.

The alleged attacker, named by police as Kyle Clifford, remains in hospital with self-inflicted injuries after being arrested.

Hunt had been due to commentate for the BBC at the Olympic Games in Paris before the tragic event but understandably pulled out, stating that he and his daughter Amy needed "time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process".

He has now issued another statement following his return to work.

"It's been 60 days since my girls Carol, Hannah and Louise were killed and whilst Amy and I still feel so wounded and vulnerable, returning to work at Brighton felt achievable and realistic," he said.

"Carol and I had our last weekend away together in Brighton at the end of May and looking out from the press box, out to sea, my knees buckled recalling us on the wild rapids ride on the pier just over three months ago soaked to the skin and laughing like teenagers.

"But I know the girls are with me at all times and would have been gently encouraging me to take a breath or two and stride on.

John Hunt with his wife Carol (Image: BBC)

"The warmth from everyone at the track was so striking with hugs and kindness washing over me all day. My thanks to everyone who has contacted me, to Racetech who made things so straightforward and all racegoers who said hello.

"Amy and I are determined to take small steps forward whenever we feel able.

"To that end, today was a good day and I'm grateful for it."

Clifford was arrested on suspicion of three counts of murder after the police manhunt tracked him down to a cemetery in Enfield.

The former soldier, 26, was found with self-inflicted wounds to his chest and is now in hospital after undergoing emergency life-saving surgery.

"A suspect remains in hospital and is receiving treatment. We will be guided by healthcare professionals," a spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said.