A manhunt is under way after three women were found dead in a house in Hertfordshire.

Detectives are “actively seeking” 26-year-old Kyle Clifford, believed to be a former security guard, after the victims were discovered by police and paramedics in Bushey on Tuesday night.

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Here is everything we know about Clifford and the incident so far.

Women ‘believed to be related’

Police were called to a detached house in Ashlyn Close, in northern Bushey, near Watford, just before 7pm on Tuesday.

When they arrived alongside ambulance staff they found three women with “serious injuries”.

According to Hertfordshire Constabulary: “Sadly, despite their best efforts, the women, who are believed to be related, died a short time later at the scene.”

The victims were aged 25, 28, and 61, Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson said during a news conference at 12.30pm on Wednesday, but their exact relationship has still not been revealed.

Chief Supt Simpson said police believe it was a “targeted incident”.

Policing commentator Graham Wettone says this means it is very likely the victims and suspect were well known to each other.

Derek Turner, a resident of the same street, said the arrival of around 10 police cars and ambulance crews was “like an explosion in the street”.

He told Sky News officers were dressed in “black uniforms with sort of semi-automatic guns walking around”, causing him to mistake the callout for a terrorist incident.

The road is currently cordoned off, with a blue tent erected outside the front door of the property.

Suspect ‘may have crossbow’

Just after 8.30am on Wednesday, police published Kyle Clifford’s name, age, and photograph.

He is 26, from Enfield, north London. Detectives believe he could still be in either Hertfordshire or north London.

Sky News understands he used to work as a security guard.

Police have appealed for the public’s help to find him, warning: “Given the serious nature of the incident, I would ask anyone who knows where he is to contact police immediately.

“If you believe you see him, please do not approach him and dial 999 straight away. He may still be in possession of a weapon.”

At the news conference in Hatfield on Wednesday lunchtime, Chief Supt Simpson confirmed police believe a crossbow was used in the attack, but “other weapons may also have been used”.

The Crossbow Act 1987 allows anyone over the age of 18 to buy one – with the only major restriction being they cannot be used on animals.

Earlier this year, the Home Office launched a call for evidence to see if further legislation is needed after their use in several murders in the UK.

A woman who grew up with Clifford in Enfield said he “always seemed pretty normal” and a “nice guy”.

“We would always be at the same parties together and hanging around in Enfield. He never seemed odd or aggressive,” she said.

Residents of the area told Sky correspondent Ashna Hurynag that he is popular with local families and retirees.

School pupils kept inside

During the news conference in Hatfield, Chief Supt Simpson said “extensive police resources” have been deployed in both Hertfordshire and north London.

They include armed officers and specialist search teams, he added.

Pupils at St Michael’s Primary School in Enfield are also being kept inside as a precaution.

The school’s headteacher told Sky News the police have conducted a reassurance visit and told them to “continue as normal as possible”.

Detectives are appealing for anyone to come forward who was in or around Ashlyn Close between midday and 7pm on Tuesday.

Chief Supt Simpson acknowledged the public’s concern and said additional officers will be on patrol to answer any questions.