Police say they are not looking for anyone else after a paramedic was found dead along with a woman at a house in Staffordshire.
Detectives had opened a murder investigation after the bodies of Daniel Duffield, 24, from Cannock, and Lauren Evans, 22, from Bridgend in South Wales, were discovered in a property in Hednesford, Cannock, at around 12.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
But on Friday, the force confirmed that they were not looking for anyone else and that post-mortems have been carried out – they added that the causes of death will be determined at an inquest.
A file is now being prepared for coroners and the families of the two victims are being supported by specialist officers.
Mr Duffield worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service and featured in an episode of 999: On The Frontline which was broadcast in March.
The documentary series follows ambulance crews as they attend to callouts.
‘Families devastated’
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison said: “This incident has understandably devastated the families and loved ones of those involved.
“We’d like to reiterate that the families have asked for their privacy to be respected at this tragic time. Please respect that.
“And again, we’d like to remind you that speculation is unhelpful and hurtful to the families – and can hinder our investigation.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has given us information. We expect the scene to be released once we’ve finished all of our investigative work and forensic examination.”
Tribute from crewmate
Ellie, his crewmate on the Channel 4 show, said she had spoken to Mr Duffield over the phone around an hour before he was found dead.
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She wrote in a tribute on Instagram: “Never in a million years did I think I’d have to sit and write this and yet I’m still trying to come to terms with it, but I just want to express how special you was to me, not only my best friend at work and the best crewmate but one of my best friends who had a massive impact on day to day life.”
Ellie added that she was due to see Mr Duffield “this week” and had been looking forward to it.
She continued: “Dan I can’t believe your (sic) actually gone and I’ll forever cherish the dinner you made me the other week, (surprised how nice you made fajitas tbh).
“Love you forever Dan.”
Richard Barratt, a senior operations manager at the West Midlands Ambulance Service, also paid tribute to Mr Duffield and added: “I hope Daniel’s family can take some comfort from the hundreds of patients he helped through his time as a paramedic.”
Staffordshire Police and South Wales Police have both referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to “recent” and “previous” police contact prior to the two deaths.
Source Agencies
