A paramedic found dead along with a woman at a house in Staffordshire had appeared in the Channel 4 show 999: On The Frontline.

Police have opened a murder investigation after the bodies of Daniel Duffield, 24, and Lauren Evans, 22, were discovered in a property in Hednesford, Cannock, at around 12.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Mr Duffield worked for West Midlands Ambulance Service and featured in an episode of 999: On The Frontline which was broadcast in March. The documentary series follows ambulance crews as they attend to callouts.

Ellie, his crewmate on the show, has said she spoke to Mr Duffield over the phone around an hour before he was found dead.

She wrote in a tribute on Instagram: “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, but I just want to express how special you was to me, not only my best friend at work and the best crewmate but one of my best friends who had a massive impact on day to day life.”

Ellie added that Mr Duffield was the “most kind-hearted person who always had time to help others”.

She continued: “Dan I can’t believe your (sic) actually gone and I’ll forever cherish the dinner you made me the other week, (surprised how nice you made fajitas tbh).

“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 was gone I’ll never forget, love you forever Dan.”

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Mr Duffield’s sister Chels Louise wrote in a tribute on Facebook: “Never ever thought I’d have to write this post, my beautiful brother has left us today I’m so distraught you’ve gone.

“I will never come to terms with it that your (sic) no longer here. You was such a bright soul always helping other people making them smile, laugh (and) 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 of ever asked for forever 24 RIP Daniel Duffield I’ll always miss you and love you forever untill (sic) we meet again rip brother.”

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Richard Barratt, a senior operations manager at the West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Daniel Duffield was a well-known member of staff 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.”

Staffordshire Police have named Mr Duffield, from Cannock, and Ms Evans, from Bridgend in South Wales, but said they have not been formally identified.

The officer has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to “recent police contact” prior to the deaths.

The force said on Wednesday that officers had been carrying out enquiries in the area to “understand more about what happened”.

Detective Superintendent Nicki Addison 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.

“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.”

The death of someone in England has been linked to the ongoing E.coli outbreak, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said.

Lettuce has been identified as the source, it emerged last week.

While two people in England have died within 28 days of being infected with the current strain, information from clinicians suggests “one of these deaths is likely linked to their STEC infection”, the UKHSA said.

Both individuals had underlying medical conditions and they both died in May.

At least 122 people have been admitted to hospital for treatment since the outbreak began.

Current case totals are as follows: 182 in England; 58 in Scotland; 31 in Wales; and four in Northern Ireland, although “evidence suggests” those four “acquired their infection in England”, the health body added.

As of 25 June, a further 19 cases had been reported in the latest seven-day period.

It brings the total number of confirmed infections across the UK to 275.

All currently registered cases showed symptoms before 4 June.

A number of food manufacturers have recalled sandwiches, wraps and salads sold in major retail chains over fears they may be linked to the outbreak.

E. coli is a diverse group of normally harmless bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and animals.

Some strains, however, produce toxins which can cause severe illness, such as STEC (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli).

While the UKHSA said the number of infections being reported is going down, it expects to see more.

That is because samples are still being referred from the NHS, and “whole genome sequencing” is being conducted.

Symptoms include “severe and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever”, said Amy Douglas, the UKHSA’s incident director.

Simple steps to avoid becoming infected include washing your hands with soap and warm water and using disinfectants to clean surfaces, she added.

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Those that are unwell should not prepare food for others and avoid visiting people in hospitals or care homes.

They are also advised not to return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Darren Whitby, head of incidents at the Food Standards Agency, said the investigation “remains complex”.

He added: “We continue to work with the relevant businesses and the local authorities to ensure necessary steps are being taken to protect consumers.

“Although we are confident in the likely source of the outbreak being linked to lettuce, work continues to confirm this and identify the root cause of the outbreak with the growers, suppliers and manufacturers so that actions can be taken to prevent a re-occurrence.”

Jay Slater’s mother has given an update via a £35,000 fundraising page set up to help the search for the missing teenager.

Debbie Duncan, posting on the GoFundMe page “Get Jay Slater home”, said the family were working with the company to withdraw some of the money.

She said the money would be used to help cover accommodation and food expenses while the family were out in Tenerife helping to search for the teenager.

Ms Duncan also said they were planning to fly others out to the island “so we can support each other during these dark times”.

“It’s difficult to wrap our heads around what is happening right now, but we are not losing hope that we will find Jay and return home together,” she wrote.

“We are currently working with GoFundMe to withdraw part of the funds, which are being safely held.

“I wanted to share that these funds will be used to support the mountain rescue teams who are tirelessly searching for Jay.

“Additionally, since our stay in Tenerife needs to be extended, we will also use the funds to cover accommodation and food expenses.

“I’m surrounded by wonderful people who are by my side, but far from their loved ones, so we’ll also be using part of these funds to fly them to Tenerife so we can support each other during these dark times.”

Ms Duncan also thanked those who had sent “kind messages” and donations, adding: “This means the world to us.”

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