Police have launched a murder probe after a paramedic who starred in Channel 4’s 999: On The Front Line was found dead beside a woman at a home.
The bodies of Daniel Duffield, 24, who features on the eleventh series of the show, and Lauren Evans, 22, were discovered by Mr Duffield’s colleagues at the house in Hednesford on Tuesday.
Staffordshire Police said officers were alerted by West Midlands Ambulance Service at around 12.30pm and attended an address on Alpine Drive, where a woman and a man were found dead inside the property.
Formal identification is still due to take place, but the force believes she is Ms Evans, from Bridgend in south Wales, and he is Mr Duffield, from Cannock.
The force subsequently launched a murder investigation, with enquiries ongoing.
Staffordshire Police has also referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as officers were recently in contact with the pair.
Mr Duffield’s sister is among those paying tribute to her “beautiful brother”, describing him as a “bright soul” who she will “forever cherish”.
Writing on social media, Chelsea Duffield said: “Never, ever thought I’d have to write this post. My beautiful brother has left us today. 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. [You were] the best brother I could [have] ever asked for. Forever 24. RIP Daniel Duffield. I’ll always miss you and love you forever until we meet again.”
Student paramedic Ellie was Mr Duffield’s crew mate on 999: On The Front Line, which follows West Midlands Ambulance crews responding to emergency calls across the region.
Paying tribute to her “special” co-star, MailOnline reported she said: “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.”
Ms Evans’ family, including her mother Karen, 53, and father Steven, 54, are said to be distraught.
Neighbours in the quiet village of Pen-y-fai, where her family are from, told MailOnline Ms Evans, thought to be a student mental health nurse, was “very friendly” and a “lovely girl”.
One local resident said: “She always said ‘hi’ and they are a nice family. This is a terrible shock for everyone.”
Detective superintendent Nicki Addison, from the force’s Major Investigations Department, 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.”
People can submit information that may help the investigation to the police’s online portal.
