A man found dead along with a woman at a house in Staffordshire has been named as a paramedic who starred in a Channel 4 TV show.
Police have launched a murder inquiry after the pair were found dead in a house in Alpine Drive in Hednesford, Cannock, around 12.30pm on Tuesday.
They have been named by police as 24-year-old Daniel Duffield, from nearby Cannock, and 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend in South Wales.
Mr Duffield was a paramedic for West Midlands Ambulance Service, and appeared in series 11 Channel 4’s 999: On the Frontline.
His friend and colleague Ellie, who appeared alongside him in the show as it followed crews responding to 999 calls, posted an emotional tribute to him on social media as she said she is “still trying to come to terms with” his death.
In the post she described Mr Duffield as “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,” she continued.
“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.”
In a post on Facebook, Mr Duffield’s sister Chels Louise said she was “distraught” by his death and “will never come to terms with it”.
Mr Duffield was a paramedic at WMAS’ Willenhall hub.
Richard Barratt, Senior Operations Manager at Willenhall, said: “Daniel Duffield was a well-known member of staff and always keen to help and support his colleagues. His death, at such a young age is a great tragedy.
“I hope Daniel’s family can take some comfort from the hundreds of patients he helped through his time as a paramedic. Our thoughts go out to the families of both of those found at the scene.”
Staff at WMAS are being provided with specialist support following Mr Duffield’s death.
Police were called to the scene around 12.30pm on Tuesday by colleagues at WMAS, who had arrived before them.
The victims are yet to be formally identified, but a team of specialist police officers are supporting Mr Duffield and Ms Evans’ families.
Staffordshire Police says it has referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) “due to recent police contact”.
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison said: “My thoughts are very much with the families at this time.
“I know this news has understandably shaken the local community. I’d like to reassure everyone that we’ve got a specialist team of officers working extensive hours to fully investigate what happened and support the families of those affected.
“We completely understand that lots of people want to know more about what happened, but we’d like to reiterate that speculation isn’t helpful to families at this distressing time.
“I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information and ask that people continue to get in touch if they’ve got any information that can help us.”
