Tributes paid to former partners found stabbed to death in Walsall

The bodies of a 32-year-old man and 29-year-old woman, named locally as Hayley and David Stringer, were found at a house in Hollemeadow Avenue, Blakenall, on Saturday.

Neighbours said the couple had recently split up and Hayley was in a new relationship with Matty Read, aged 19.

See also: Man and woman stabbed to death in Walsall

Mr Read was released without charge yesterday after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mr Stringer's relatives today said they were praying for both of their families.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Andrew Dutton, whose partner Lisa Ball is Mr Stringer's cousin, said: "We are just absolutely devastated, not just for David.

"Our prayers go out to Hayley's family, David's family and the kids."

He added: "David was a lovely kid.

"He was very quiet, shy, hardworking and a devoted father."

Mr Stringer leaves three daughters, as well as his twin sister Zoe, his sisters Julie and Natalie and a brother Gary.

Mr Dutton said: "It's just so shocking."

Mr Dutton said that Mr Stringer's mother Pat, who is in her 50s, had recently suffered a stroke, making the death even more painful for the family.

He said: "The family have been through so much stress lately."

Mr Dutton said the pair had been together for eight or more years.

He added: "Apparently, in the last few weeks they have had a fallout and she's gone with the 19-year-old."

Mrs Stringer was a factory worker at Spanish-owned engineering firm Gestamp Automocion in Cannock. Her Facebook page listed herself as being in a new relationship with Matty Read, from Cannock, who also works at Gestamp Automocion.

Mr Stringer worked for metal importing and distribution company Holme Dodsowrth.

Floral tributes left outside the family home - include one from Mr Stringer's work colleagues.

An attached card reads: "RIP Dave & Hayley. From the lads at Holme Dodsworth."

Another tribute read: "Dave mate so sorry you've gone. One of the nicest blokes I've ever met."

Annette Johnson, aged 60, who lived opposite the family and knew the mother-of-three well, said she was 'in shock'.

She also said she had heard a 'terrifying scream' just after midnight on Saturday morning.

The grandmother-of-11 said: "Just as I was nodding off I heard this scream. It sounded like a girl and it scared me.

"I looked through the blinds but I couldn't see anything.

She added: "I knew Hayley and the little girls used to play with my grandson. They were a lovely family. I was shocked when they split up. I found out on Facebook and then I saw she was in another relationship.

"Dave moved out a few weeks ago. We watched him move his stuff but he used to go back quite a lot to take the girls out.

"They moved in about three or four years ago.

"I spoke to Hayley if she popped in the shop next door. She used to go in wearing her onesie. I didn't have a lot to do with Dave. He was always working all the time but I would wave to him.

"Hayley was a lovely girl. You could have a laugh and a joke with her. She'd come in the house and have a cup of tea with me.

"David loved his darts and his kids. I can't believe what has happened. They are never going to see their kids grow up or get married. It's horrible. You wouldn't think it would happen on your doorstep."

Her husband Alan, 62, said: "We used to see them every day, taking the kids to school or when they would go to the shop.

"We would have a bit of a talk to them. We used to have a laugh and a joke.

"It's just a shock."

Another neighbour, Graham Johnson, 49, said: "I woke up and realised something had happened when the police were outside. I went to bed at 2am and didn't hear anything at all.

"I'm shocked. The woman who lives there was only a young girl. I spoke to her now and again. She had girls. It's a shame for the kids' sake."

Raman Patel, who runs Ram's Superstore in Hollemeadow Avenue, said: "I'm shocked. I've never known anything like this to happen here.

"They used to come in the shop. They were nice people."

A 39-year-old woman, who lives in Hollemeadow Avenue but did not want to be named, said: "The first I knew anything had happened was when police arrived. They used to live together but they split up about three weeks ago. He moved out and she started going out with someone new.

"They must have lived there for three-and-a-half years. They were really quiet."

Police are asking anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.