STUDENT NURSE FOUND DEAD HAD TRUE HEART, SAY FRIENDS

A student nurse found dead at a house where the body of a paramedic was also discovered has been remembered as a dedicated learner with a "pure heart" who would be missed by teaching staff and students alike.

Lauren Evans, from Bridgend in south Wales, was found at an address on Alpine Drive in Hednesford, Staffordshire, on Tuesday afternoon along with Daniel Duffield.

A murder investigation was launched by Staffordshire Police which said inquiries were ongoing.

Paying tribute, Swansea University said Ms Evans, 22, was a student mental health nurse in her final year of study.

A spokesperson said the university was “deeply shocked and saddened” by her death.

“Lauren was passionate about nursing and showed huge determination and dedication during her time at Swansea University," they said.

“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.”

Tributes were also left to Ms Evans on Facebook, with one friend describing her as a “sweet girl” while another said she had a “true pure heart” and an “infectious smile”.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed on Thursday that Mr Duffield, 24, worked at its hub in Willenhall.

He also appeared in the 11th season of the Channel 4 series 999: On the Frontline.

Senior operations manager Richard Barratt said on Wednesday Mr Duffield was a well-known member of staff who was always keen to help his colleagues.

Paying tribute on Facebook, Mr Duffield’s sister said she was “distraught” at her loss.

“I will forever cherish you and us growing up together. You will always be in my heart,” she wrote.

Staffordshire Police said the murder investigation was ongoing and that it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) because of recent police contact, although it did not expand in what capacity or with which of the parties.

Det Supt Nicki Addison has urged people not to speculate about what happened and said the families were being supported by specialist officers.

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2024-06-28T13:10:29Z dg43tfdfdgfd