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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Chris Kitching

Gracie Spinks: Mum heartbroken as 'beautiful daughter taken away' in 'murder-suicide'

The mum of a young woman killed in a suspected murder-suicide has paid tribute to her "beautiful" daughter.

Gracie Spinks, 23, died in a paddock in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, at around 8.40am on Friday, and the body of a man in his 30s - said to be a former work colleague - was found several fields away at about 11am.

In a heartbreaking tribute, Gracie's mum, Alison Heaton, wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful daughter Gracie taken away from me, her dad and brother and sister and everyone who loved and cared for her."

Mrs Heaton added broken heart and crying emojis, and changed her Facebook profile picture to a photo of her daughter with a pink frame stating: "Stop violence against women, justice for women".

Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk.

Ms Spinks did occasional modelling work with a company based in London (Facebook)

Other family members, including Gracie's dad Richard, have also added the frame to their profile pictures.

It is alleged Gracie, a keen horse rider, was killed by a former colleague who was obsessed with her and had been stalking her.

Gracie had taken out a restraining order, friends have said.

She worked as a packer at e-commerce firm Xbite and did occasional modelling work with a London-based firm.

A memorial to Ms Spinks near to where she was killed in Duckmanton (BPM MEDIA)

Colleagues told the Daily Mail her killer was a "loner" who was employed at Xbite until six months ago when he was sacked amid concerns about his conduct to other staff.

Derbyshire police said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. The force has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

It said the families of both the deceased had been traced and specially trained officers were supporting them.

Grace's devastated friends have paid tribute to her on Facebook, where one wrote: “Oh Gracie Spinks I don’t even know what to say. Heartbroken doesn’t even cut it.

“You really were the life of the party, we made so many memories us 4 and I couldn’t be more grateful to know you.

“Honestly sat here thinking of them is making me smile. This world is so so cruel and it’s really not fair. Rest in peace Gracie you will be so missed. Thinking of your family and friends.”

A GoFundMe page set up to help Gracie's family had raised almost £8,000 as of Monday morning.

A friend who set up the page stated: “Gracie was a beautiful girl at just 23 years old she had already touched so many people’s life and what gorgeous memories she leaves behind.

“She was a caring and loving individual and was always happy to help. She was also so so stubborn and she’d always stand up for what was right.

“If you knew Gracie you’d also know she was horsey mad and had the most gorgeous horse called Paddy whom she loved dearly.

“Although no amount of money could ever bring Gracie back, I ask that you please donate what ever you can to help her family at this moment.

“We all love you so dearly Gracie, behave up there.”

A police spokesperson said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

"A woman was found injured in a field near to Staveley Road at around 8.40am [on Friday]. Paramedics attended and the woman, who was in her early 20s, sadly died at the scene.

"At 11am, the body of a man in his mid-30s was found in a field off Tom Lane, Duckmanton.

"We have traced and informed both families and specialist officers are supporting them at this time.

"We appreciate that what has happened in Duckmanton will have shocked and upset many people in the community and officers will carry out extra patrols in the coming days.

"We would urge you to stop and speak to an officer if you wish to raise any concerns."

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