BBC racing commentator John Hunt has made a poignant return to the airwaves just weeks after his wife and two of his daughters were tragically murdered in a crossbow attack.

Hunt called all seven races on the card at Brighton for Sky Sports on Monday in his first broadcast since wife Carol, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, were fatally injured at their family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire on July 9.

Their suspected murderer, named as Kyle Clifford, 26, remains in hospital with self-inflicted injuries after being arrested by police in Enfield following a manhunt.

Hunt, who had been due to commentate on the swimming at the Olympics before tragedy struck, revealed why he had chosen Brighton to make his return.

He said: “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.

“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.”

‘We will get through this’

Hunt, who has a third daughter, Amy, added: “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 police tracked him down to a cemetery in Enfield following the discovery of three women’s bodies at their home.

The former soldier was found with wounds to his chest and underwent life-saving surgery.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: “A suspect remains in hospital and is receiving treatment. We will be guided by healthcare professionals.”

In a statement following the murders, Hunt laid bare the “unimaginable” devastation that had been inflicted on him and daughter Amy by what he branded a “horrid evil” before vowing: “We will get through this.”