Staffordshire Police 'not looking for anyone else' in connection with death of paramedic and woman

Police investigating the deaths of a paramedic and a student nurse found dead in Staffordshire say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

“We can now confirm that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths of a woman and a man in Hednesford,” said a force spokesperson on Friday evening.

Lauren Evans, 22, and 24-year-old Daniel Duffield were found dead at a house in Alpine Drive in Hednesford, Cannock, around 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Mr Duffield was later revealed to be a paramedic at West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS), who appeared on series 11 of Channel 4’s 999: On the Frontline.

Staffordshire Police launched a murder investigation.

In an update on Friday, a force spokesperson said: “Post-mortems were concluded today (Friday 28 June). The cause of death is a matter for an inquest in due course.

“As we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, a file is being prepared for the coroner.

“Specialist officers are continuing to support the families of those involved.”

Ms Evans was a final-year student mental health nurser at Swansea University.

On Facebook, friends paid tribute to Ms Evans, describing her as “such a sweet girl”, and “a true pure heart with an infectious smile”.

Another wrote: “My beautiful kind & caring best friend got taken away from us. Words can’t describe the pain I am feeling right now.

“You had a heart of pure gold and would do absolutely anything and everything for anyone. You did not deserve this Laur.”

A Swansea University spokesperson told the BBC: “Lauren was passionate about nursing and showed huge determination and dedication during her time at Swansea University.

“She will be greatly missed by her fellow students and staff. Our thoughts are with Lauren’s family at this time, and we extend our deepest condolences at their tragic loss.”

Mr Duffield’s 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 on Thursday, saying she was “still trying to come to terms with” his death.

On Facebook, his sister Chels Louise said she was “distraught” by his death and “will never come to terms with it”.

Richard Barratt, Senior Operations Manager at WMAS’ Willenhall Hub, where Mr Duffield worked, 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.”

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.

“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.”