Daniel Duffield: 24-year-old paramedic who starred in On The Front Line found dead along with Lauren Evans
A double murder inquiry has been launched after a paramedic who starred in a Channel 4 series and his girlfriend were found dead at their home.
Daniel Duffield, 24, who worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service and “helped hundreds of people” during his short career, appeared in 999: On The Front Line, which filmed ambulance crews at work.
Mr Duffield was found dead at his £215,000 semi-detached home in Hednesford, Staffordshire, on Tuesday.
Daniel Duffield, 24, and the body of his girlfriend, Lauren Evans, 22, were discovered at the address. Credit: PerthNow
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The body of his girlfriend, Lauren Evans, 22, was also discovered at the address.
Ms Evans is believed to have been working in a supermarket or fast food restaurant while looking for an NHS post after graduating as a mental health nurse.
Staffordshire Police has launched a murder inquiry, but it has not yet said if it is seeking anyone else. The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct “due to prior police contact”.
Mr Duffield is believed to have been in a relationship with Ms Evans, from Bridgend, South Wales, who studied at Swansea University for several months before moving to Staffordshire last year.
Having joined the West Midlands Ambulance Service as a student paramedic in 2019, Mr Duffield appeared on the Channel 4 show this spring.
As a mark of respect, the episodes have now been taken off the channel’s streaming service.
A fellow paramedic filmed working with Mr Duffield on the TV programme, named only as Ellie, posted on social media: “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.”
She described him 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 [and] the most kindhearted person who always had time to help others”.
She revealed that she had spoken to Mr Duffield on the phone only an hour before the tragedy and was planning to meet him later this week.
She said, “I was looking forward to seeing you. Even the phone call we had an hour before you [were] gone, I’ll never forget. Love you forever, Dan.” West Midlands Ambulance Service said Mr Duffield’s colleagues have been offered specialist support.
Richard Barratt, senior operations manager, said: “Daniel Duffield was a well-known staff member 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.”
Ms Evans’ family was too distraught to speak about the tragedy yesterday. Neighbours said they were “shocked” by the news and said she was “very friendly” girl.
One said: “She always said “Hi” and they are a nice family. This is a terrible shock for everyone.”
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said yesterday: “Specially-trained officers continue to support (both) 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.”