Police are ‘not looking for anyone else’ as they probe the deaths of a TV paramedic and his girlfriend after their bodies were discovered together.
999: On the Front Line star Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were found by West Midlands Ambulance Service at his home in Cannock, Staffordshire on Tuesday.
It is understood the couple were in a relationship, with Mr Duffield’s social media littered with pictures of the two of them attending concerts together for artists including Becky Hill and Mimi Webb.
Post-mortems of the young couple revealed that the cause of death will be reviewed in an inquest.
Staffordshire Police added that specialist officers are continuing to support the families of those involved.
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, from the force’s Major Investigations Department, said: ‘This incident has understandably devastated the families and loved ones of those involved.
999: On the Front Line star Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were found by West Midlands Ambulance Service at his home in Cannock, Staffordshire on Tuesday
The last photo of the couple shows them attending a music event at Wembley stadium in London
Mr Duffield is believed to have worked for the local ambulance service
‘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.’
Mr Duffield was featured in Channel 4’s documentary 999: On the Front Line alongside his crew mate, student paramedic Ellie.
Ellie paid tribute on social media and revealed she spoke to Mr Duffield a matter of hours before is death, adding she is ‘still trying to come to terms’ with the tragedy.
Millions watched Mr Duffield on the eleventh series of the show, which follows West Midlands Ambulance crews as they respond to 999 calls across the region.
Taking to social media, his she said: ‘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.
‘I just want to express how special you [were] to me, not only my best friend at work and the best crew mate but one of my best friends who had a massive impact on day to day life, the most kind hearted person who always had time to help others, who made me laugh every day and always would pick up the phone whenever I was in need.
‘Dan I can’t believe you’re actually gone.’
Police said the bodies are believed to be that of Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22
Police have launched a murder probe after the couple were found dead at Mr Duffield’s home
Daniel Duffield, 24 (left) appeared on Channel 4’s 999: On the Front Line with crew mate Ellie (right)
Paramedic Mr Duffield and student paramedic Ellie featured in the documentary which follows West Midlands ambulance crews
She added: ‘We were meant to go out together this week and I was looking forward to seeing you. Even the phone call we had this morning an hour before you [were] gone I’ll never forget, love you forever Dan.’
During his appearance on 999: On the Front Line, Mr Duffield was seen chatting to crew mate Ellie about whether she believed in aliens, before the pair were called out to an emergency involving a suspected stroke patient.
The documentary saw them assess 91-year-old Walter, who had lost feeling in one side of his body, and rush him to hospital.
After speaking to Walter about his late wife, Mr Duffield told the programme: ‘I think it’s difficult when one partner passes away, and the other’s left on their own.’
The paramedic reportedly split up with his former partner at Christmas, but had recently found a new girlfriend.
It is understood Mr Duffield was suffering from mental health problems before his death.
The paramedic was a fan of singer Mimi Webb, who posted a tribute to her almost 300,000 Instagram followers after hearing of his death.
She wrote: ‘Forever in our hearts. Love you my darling Daniel.’
Lauren, 22, from Bridgend, South Wales, is believed to be the woman found dead in Cannock on Tuesday
Singer Mimi Webb posted a photograph of her and Mr Duffield to her 289,000 Instagram followers
Police and forensic officers have been pictured collecting evidence at the scene
Ms Evans’ devastated family, from the quiet 2,000-population village of Pen-y-fai, near Bridgend, did not wish to speak on the tragedy.
Her mother Karen, 53, and father Steven, 54, are understood to be distraught at the tragic loss.
The family were described as ‘quiet’ by the neighbours and said to often do things together.
Neighbours on Coed Y Cando, Pen-y-Fai, were ‘shocked’ by the news and said that Lauren was ‘very friendly’ girl.
One said: ‘She always said hi and they are a nice family. This is a terrible shock for everyone.’
Another added student Mental Health Nurse Lauren, who had graduated from Swansea University, was ‘no trouble’ and described her as a ‘lovely girl.’
She is believed to have moved out to go to University 30 miles away but returned for a time during the pandemic. She is believed to have moved to Staffordshire last year.
Writing on Facebook on Tuesday night, Mr Duffield’s sister Louise Duffield said: ‘Never ever thought I’d have to write this post (but) my beautiful brother has left us today.
A murder investigation was launched after the bodies of a man and woman were found inside a house in Alpine Drive (pictured) in Hednesford, near Cannock, Staffordshire
Police have cordoned off the property as officers continue their investigations
‘I’m so distraught you’ve gone. I will never come to terms with it that you’re no longer here. You (were) such a bright soul, always helping other people making them smile, laugh, saving lives but unfortunately you couldn’t help yourself.
‘I will forever cherish you and us growing up together; you will always be in my heart (and were) the best brother I could (have) ever asked for.
‘I’ll always miss you and love you forever. Until we meet again, RIP brother.’
Police have urged the public to avoid speculation about the case as it referred itself to the independent watchdog, the IOPC, over previous contact with Mr Duffield and Ms Evans.
Staffordshire Police referred itself after launching a murder inquiry following the discovery of the two bodies.
The force said it had made the referral to the watchdog due to ‘recent police contact’ in relation to the deaths at a property in Alpine Drive, Hednesford, Cannock.
Ambulance service staff found the bodies at about 12.30pm on Tuesday.
