This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

The families of two people who were found stabbed to death in Derbyshire on New Year’s Day have paid tribute to them.

Helen Hancock, 39, from Duffield, and Martin Griffiths, 48, from Derby, who were found at a property in Duffield, were formally named by Derbyshire police.

A 39-year-old man has been charged with their murders, the force said. Rhys Hancock, from Etwall, will appear at Southern Derbyshire magistrates court on Friday.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to contact between Helen Hancock, whose maiden name was Almey, and officers before the stabbing.

Officers remained at the address on Thursday, with searches and door-to-door inquiries taking place.

Helen Hancock’s family said: “The family are devastated at the loss of Helen, who was a lovely, beautiful, friendly, bubbly and social person. We would like to thank people for allowing us privacy at this most difficult of times.”

Griffiths’s family said: “Martin was a lovely dad, husband, son, brother and uncle, who had a passion for adventure, running and a love of animals.

“He enjoyed travelling the world, mountain climbing and spending time with his two children. He will be greatly missed. We would also like to ask that people respect our privacy and allow us space to grieve as we attempt to come to terms with his death.”

Ch Supt Hayley Barnett of Derbyshire police said: “The thoughts of everyone at Derbyshire Constabulary are with the family and friends of Mrs Hancock and Mr Griffiths.

“Our thoughts are also with the Duffield community, which is understandably shocked by this incident. You will see officers in the area throughout today as the investigation continues and I would urge you to speak to them about any concerns you may have.”

An spokeswoman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: “We are investigating the circumstances of police contact with Helen Hancock prior to her death in Duffield on 1 January. Our investigation follows a mandatory referral from Derbyshire police. Due to the separate ongoing murder investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”