A BBC racing correspondent has praised his “magnificently inspirational” surviving daughter after they lost three family members in the Bushey crossbow attack.

During Sky's coverage at the Ascot Racecourse this afternoon, correspondent Matt Chapman read out a message from BBC journalist John Hunt to the horse racing community.

In the message, John said: “Notwithstanding the horrid evil that swept through our lives, wreaking devastation on an unimaginable scale, the counter to that has been the breathtaking messages of support, some of which are still to be read. 

John Hunt said messages from the public had been like a reassuring hug.John Hunt said messages from the public had been like a reassuring hug. (Image: Facebook) “Amy, my eldest daughter, has been magnificently inspirational with her control and support for me which I am trying, trying so hard to replicate. 

“Every message has been so important, the same as a reassuring hug. We know people are worried about us, we will get through this. Sending love to everyone, John.”

In a separate statement released today by police, the family told of their devastation which “cannot be put into words”.

Tributes to Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt in Ashlyn Close.Tributes to Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt in Ashlyn Close. (Image: Newsquest)

They thanked the public for their messages and support which had given them "great comfort" in the "extremely difficult time".

Matt Chapman has since set up a GoFundMe page for the Hunt family, which has received over £3,000 in donations in a matter of hours.