FINAL WORDS
Channel 4 star’s last phone call an HOUR before he was found dead alongside girlfriend is revealed as ‘murder’ probed
Police have referred themselves to the watchdog over prior contact with the couple
CHANNEL 4 star Daniel Duffield spoke to a pal over the phone just an hour before his death, it has been revealed.
The paramedic, 24, was found dead with girlfriend Lauren Evans, 22, at a home in Hednesford, Cannock, at 12.30pm on Tuesday.
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Daniel, who starred in the 11th series of 999: On The Front Line, shared a photo of himself with student mental health nurse Lauren on his Instagram at a bowling alley just two weeks ago.
But cops have now launched a murder probe after they were found dead in Alpine Drive, as tributes flood in for the couple.
Daniel's crewmate and friend Ellie Johnson revealed she had spoken to him "an hour" before his death to make plans to see each other.
She wrote: "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.
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"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."
She added: "Dan I can't believe you're actually gone. 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."
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West Midlands Ambulance Service has said Daniel was employed as a paramedic at its Willenhall Hub.
Senior operations manager at Willenhall, Richard Barratt, said his death was "a great tragedy".
"Daniel Duffield was a well-known member of staff and always keen to help and support his colleagues," he said.
"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 has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the case because of "recent police contact".
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Lauren's mum Karen, 53, and dad Steven, 54, from the village of Pen-y-fai, near Bridgend, are said to be distraught.
It is understood Daniel and Lauren were in a relationship, with their social media accounts littered with images of the pair together.
His final post showed them outside Wembley stadium for the Capital Summertime Ball.
Another of Daniel's posts, featuring a collage of pictures of them together, was captioned: "Appreciation post. For always being there are supporting me! Thank you for everything, adore you so much."
Neighbours on Coed Y Cando, Pen-y-Fai, are also "shocked" and said Lauren was a "very friendly" girl.
Daniel's sister also paid tribute on social media, saying she never thought she would have to write the post about her "beautiful brother".
She said: "My beautiful brother has left us today I’m so distraught you’ve gone.
"I will never come to terms with it that your no longer here.
"You was 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 was 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 RIP brother."
Staffordshire Police says their bodies were found in Hednesford, Cannock, by paramedics at around 12.30pm on Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison, from Staffordshire Police 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.
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“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.”
Staffordshire Police statement in full
Our enquiries into a murder investigation in Hednesford are continuing after two people were found dead inside a house.
At about 12.30pm yesterday (Tuesday 25 June), we were alerted by our colleagues at West Midlands Ambulance Service who were at an address on Alpine Drive in Hednesford.
Sadly, a woman and a man were found dead inside.
Formal identification is still due to take place, but we believe both of their identities to be 22-year-old Lauren Evans, from Bridgend, South Wales, and 24-year-old Daniel Duffield, from Cannock.
A team of specially-trained officers are continuing to support their families at this distressing time.
We’ve referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to recent police contact.
A number of officers are still in the area today carrying out enquiries to understand more about what happened.
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