‘NHS employee’, 24, discovered lifeless alongside girl as police probe homicide
- The bodies of a man and woman were found inside a house in Hednesford
- Staffordshire Police have asked people ‘not to speculate’ while they investigate
An ‘NHS worker’ with ‘everything to live for’ was named by neighbours as one of two people found dead at a suburban house.
The bodies of a man and woman were found at the semi-detached house by paramedics who neighbours said had to ask them for help to enter the property at 12.30pm on Tuesday.
Police were then called, who launched a murder investigation. They have not confirmed whether or not they are looking for anyone else in connection with the double tragedy.
Daniel Duffield, 24, was named by shocked residents of the street in Hednesford, Cannock, Staffordshire, and tributes were paid to him by family and friends online.
The woman found dead at the address has not been identified and no details have yet been given for her by police.
Mr Duffield is believed to have worked for the local ambulance service.
Daniel Duffield has been named locally as one of two people found dead in a house in Cannock
Mr Duffield is believed to have worked for the local ambulance service
Neighbours said they had seen a woman who they believe to be Mr Duffield’s current girlfriend grieving outside the house on Tuesday afternoon, being comforted by ambulance staff.
Writing on Facebook on Tuesday night, Mr Duffield’s sister Louise Duffield said: ‘Never ever thought I’d have to write this post (but) 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 (and were) the best brother I could (have) ever asked for.
‘I’ll always miss you and love you forever. Until we meet again, RIP brother.’
It is understood Mr Duffield had been suffering with mental health problems in the months before his death.
Neighbour Louise Benton, 55, whose semi-detached house adjoined Daniel’s, told of the moment emergency services arrived.
She said: ‘It was really strange. I don’t think I heard anything.
‘The first I knew about anything happening was when two paramedics knocked on my door yesterday morning saying they were trying to get into the house next door and needed to come in.
‘They lifted a panel up and were able to get in through the back door.’
People living next to Mr Duffield said he had moved in to the quiet residential road in Cannock 16 months ago, with his then-girlfriend. They had since split up.
Another neighbour said: ‘He moved in just after Christmas 2022 with a girlfriend but they split up.
A double murder investigation has been launched after the bodies of a man and woman were found inside a house in Alpine Drive (pictured) in Hednesford, near Cannock, Staffordshire
Police and forensic officers have been pictured collecting evidence at the scene
‘It is just a tragedy. He was a handsome young man who seemed to have everything to live for.
‘He had his own place, a good job, a girlfriend. It’s just really, really sad.’
His wife said she had seen his current girlfriend, ‘in floods of tears’ yesterday afternoon.
‘She was being consoled by paramedics. They were in tears too. It was terrible to see.’
They said that Mr Duffield’s blue VW Golf car had moved yesterday morning.
‘He went somewhere because its position on the drive changed after 1030 yesterday morning.’
Another neighbour, aged 73, said: ‘He was just a young lad who kept himself to himself. I think he had a girlfriend.
‘I think he was a paramedic because he wore a t-short with ambulance on the back.
‘It all kicked off about mid-morning. An ambulance turned up and then the police came and it all went mad.
‘It is such a shame. I don’t know what the families must be going through.
‘The forensics were here all day yesterday till 10 o’clock and they are back this morning.’
Staffordshire Police said in a statement: ‘Specially-trained officers have been assigned to support their families at this tragic time.
‘A cordon has been set up in the area whilst we carry out enquiries to understand the circumstances of the deaths.
‘We’d like to ask people not to speculate whilst we do this. We’ve created an online portal where people can leave information they may have.’
Staffordshire Police said that officers were called by ambulance workers to an address on Alpine Drive, Hednesford, near Cannock, at about 12.30pm yesterday
Police have cordoned off the property as officers continue their investigations
‘We’ve created an online portal where people can leave information they may have.’
West Midlands Ambulance Service today said: ‘We were called to a concern for welfare at house in Hednesford on Tuesday lunchtime.
‘Two paramedic officers and an ambulance were sent to an address on Alpine Drive.
‘After gaining access to the property at just before 12.20pm, paramedics found a man and a woman inside.
‘Sadly, it was immediately obvious that nothing could be done to save them and ambulance staff immediately alerted Staffordshire Police.’
Police have asked anyone with information to visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/STAFFS19A01-PO1.
