Bridgend family pay tribute to 'special daughter and sister' found dead at home in Staffordshire

The family of a student from South Wales who was found dead at a house in Staffordshire have described her as a "special daughter and sister".

Lauren Evans, 22 from Bridgend, was found alongside Daniel Duffield at a home on Alpine Drive in Hednesford, Staffordshire, by paramedics last week.

A murder investigation was launched by Staffordshire Police, who has now confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Specially-trained officers are continuing to support her family.

South Wales Police said it made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following their deaths. The referral was made due to previous police contact.

Staffordshire Police said it also had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of "recent contact" in relation to the deaths.

Lauren’s family said: “On the 25 June 2024 we tragically, prematurely and unnecessarily had our beautiful daughter Lauren taken from us at the tender age of 22.

"Lauren was truly beautiful inside and out and will forever be in our memories. She was adored by her parents, younger sister, grandparents, family and friends because she was a gorgeous, soft natured, sweet girl whose smile would brighten even the darkest of days.

“Lauren’s thoughtful, caring and loving nature made her endearing to so many during her short life and she had so much more love to give and smiles to share with family and friends in the future.

"Lauren loved our family dog Poppy, and her little puppy Milly, with the two of them forming such a strong mutual bond in only the short time they sadly had together.

“Lauren achieved academic success and was soon to start her chosen career in mental health nursing, in which we know she would have excelled and been an attentive and caring nurse.

“A special person has been lost to so many who had the privilege to know her and to those who would have had the pleasure of meeting her in the future.

"We have lost a special daughter, with her sister, losing a loving companion and soul mate who wanted to share so many more experiences with Lauren.

“You were always loved, will always be in our memories and by our side and we will unconditionally love you forever Lauren.

“We kindly request that the family’s privacy is respected, and we are allowed to grieve for our cherished Lauren in peace at this sad and traumatic time”.

Detective Inspector Louise Booker, from Staffordshire Police's Major Investigations Department, said: “Following the launch of our investigation and enquiries conducted by our Major Investigations team, we are treating Lauren’s death as a murder.

"We want to reassure the community that we are not seeking any other party in connection with Lauren’s death and are continuing to build a file for HM Coroner.

“I can’t begin to imagine the pain that the families are feeling after this tragic incident and our thoughts remain with the families of those affected.”

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