Paramedic found dead along with woman had appeared in Channel 4 series 999: On The Frontline | UK News
Staffordshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to “recent police contact” before the deaths.
A paramedic found dead along with a woman at a house in Staffordshire had appeared in the Channel 4 show 999: On The Frontline.
Police have opened a murder investigation after the bodies of Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were discovered in a property in Hednesford, Cannock, at around 12.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
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.
Ellie, his crewmate on the show, has said she spoke to Mr Duffield over the phone around an hour before he was found dead.
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 Mr Duffield was the “most kind-hearted person who always had time to help others”.
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).
“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 was gone I’ll never forget, love you forever Dan.”
Mr Duffield’s sister Chels Louise wrote in a tribute on Facebook: “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 your (sic) no longer here. You was such a bright soul always helping other people making them smile, laugh (and) 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 was the best brother I could of ever asked for forever 24 RIP Daniel Duffield I’ll always miss you and love you forever untill (sic) we meet again rip brother.”
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Richard Barratt, a senior operations manager at the West Midlands Ambulance Service, 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.”
Staffordshire Police have named Mr Duffield, from Cannock, and Ms Evans, from Bridgend in South Wales, but said they have not been formally identified.
The officer has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to “recent police contact” prior to the deaths.
The force said on Wednesday that officers had been carrying out enquiries in the area to “understand more about what happened”.
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.”
