Derbyshire Police referred to watchdog after Gracie Spinks death
The 23 year old was found fatally injured on Friday
Last updated 22nd Jun 2021
Derbyshire Police has referred itself to the policing watchdog after the bodies of a 23-year-old woman and man in his 30s were found within hours of each other near a Derbyshire village.
Gracie Spinks was found injured in a field near to Staveley Road at around 8.40am on Friday 18 June. She died at the scene.
Officers believe that Gracie, who was from the Chesterfield area, was killed by a man she knew.
The man whose body was found in fields in the Tom Lane area has been identified as Michael Sellers.
The 35-year-old, from Sheffield, was discovered at about 11am the same day.
His death is not thought to be suspicious. Police aren't looking for anyone else in connection with the case.
Specially trained officers are supporting both families.
Derbyshire Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the policing watchdog, as officers had contact with Gracie earlier this year.
The force has confirmed there was no criminal restraining order in place, amid claims Gracie was a victim of stalking.
Back in May a member of the public found a bag containing weapons close to the scene of Gracie's death. It was handed into police.
Floral tributes and emotional written messages have been left near to a paddock off Staveley Road over the past few days.
Malcolm Hancock, a local resident, said:
"It's rocked the community in a very very big way. I'd say all of Derbyshire has been rocked by this"
"This kind of thing just doesn't happen in our neighbourhoods, but obviously it has done.
"Close friends and family... they're all gobsmacked. I think its upset a wide variety of people... it's something that shouldn't have happened"
A fundraiser has been set up in memory of Gracie, an aspiring model, who is described as 'caring and loving' and 'horsey mad'.
Around £9,500 has been raised so far to help her family care for her horse Paddy.
Friend Abbey Griffin, who set up the GoFundMe page, wrote:
"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.
"We all love you so dearly Gracie, behave up there".