Paramedic was detained weeks before deaths

The watchdog is looking at contact two police forces had with Daniel Duffield before his death

A paramedic whose body was found in a house with a dead woman had been detained under the Mental Health Act weeks earlier, the police watchdog has said.

Student nurse Lauren Evans, 22, and Daniel Duffield were found in Hednesford, Staffordshire on 25 June.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating contact Staffordshire Police and South Wales Police had with Mr Duffield before the deaths.

The watchdog revealed Mr Duffield was taken to hospital after being detained by Staffordshire officers outside a house on 10 May.

Last month, the force which is conducting a murder investigation into the death of Ms Evans, 22, from Bridgend in south Wales, confirmed it was not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.

Officers were called to an address on Alpine Drive in Hednesford on 25 June and found the two bodies inside the property.

Their cause of death has not yet been released.

Student nurse Lauren Evans was found dead with Mr Duffield

The West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic worked at a hub in Willenhall and has been described as well-known member of staff who was always keen to help his colleagues.

The 24-year-old also appeared in the 11th season of the Channel 4 series 999: On the Frontline.

Ms Evans was described by her family as "special daughter and sister" who was "truly beautiful inside and out".

Staffordshire Police and South Wales Police both referred themselves to the police watchdog after the deaths.

Thorough investigation

On Friday, confirming its investigation into contact police had with Mr Duffield in the weeks beforehand, the IOPC said it was specifically looking at interactions between 10 May and 14 May.

“First and foremost, my thoughts and sympathies are with Lauren and Daniel’s families and friends at this very difficult time, IOPC director David Ford said.

“We are meeting with both families to explain our role and how our investigation will progress.

“We are independent of the police and it is important that we carry out a thorough investigation, to fully establish the circumstances of what happened prior to the tragic events of 25 June.

"We will be examining concerns for welfare reported to police about Lauren and Daniel, and whether appropriate action was taken by both forces.”

Staffordshire Police has informed the IOPC that officers attended an address at the request of the ambulance service concerning the welfare of Mr Duffield on 10 May.

When outside a property, they detained him under the Mental Health Act and he was taken to a hospital, the IOPC said.

South Wales Police has said officers had face-to-face contact with Mr Duffield on 14 May, when he came into its region, over information received by police.

"We will consider if appropriate steps were taken to safeguard the welfare of Ms Evans and Mr Duffield and whether police officers and staff acted in accordance with local and national policies and procedures," the IOPC added.