First picture of dad stabbed to death with lover in New Year's Day double murder
Marketing company boss Martin Griffiths was allegedly murdered in Duffield, Derbyshire with his girlfriend of six months, mum-of-three Helen Hancock, on New Year's day
Martin Fricker
Martin Griffiths has been identified as the second victim of the New Year's day horror (Image: Derbyshire Police)
This is the tragic dad-of-two stabbed to death along with his PE teacher girlfriend in a horror New Year's Day double murder.
Marketing company boss Martin Griffiths, 48, had only been dating mum-of-three Helen Hancock, 39, for six months.
The couple spent New Year's Eve together at her home in Duffield, Derbys, before the tragedy unfolded.
Police were called to the £400,000 detached property at 4am and found them dead inside with fatal stab wounds.
Officers arrested a 39-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of both murders and he remains in custody.
Helen Almey was found dead in her home in Duffield, Derbys
Martin was a keen runner, mountaineer and snooker player who separated from wife Claire earlier last year.
He met Helen, who split from husband Rhys Hancock, 39, in 2018 and used her maiden name Almey, at a running club.
On Twitter Martin, of Mickleover, Derby, described himself as a "dad and best friend to two beautiful children".
He had raised thousands of pounds for charity by climbing some of the world's highest peaks.
Helen Almey had just got her life together
In 2017 he spent time in intensive care after suffering severe frostbite while on a mountaineering expedition in Nepal.
His family said today: "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."
Helen's family also paid tribute to her today, describing her as a "lovely, beautiful, friendly, bubbly and social person."
Helen Alamy with husband Rhys Hancock, from whom she was estranged
She was a popular resident of Duffield and was active on the town's community social media pages and neighbourhood watch.
Jo Lethbridge posted on Facebook: "It really is heartbreaking. She was a lovely woman. My thoughts are with the family and the three kids."
Caroline Roberts wrote: "Wonderful, genuine, lovely lady and family. Tragic."
Kate Kozluk added: "Absolutely heartbreaking. A beautiful lady inside and out."
Police arrested a 39-year-old man at the scene (Image: Anita Maric / SWNS)
Helen's three children, aged nine, seven and four, are being cared for by relatives in Derbyshire.
Derbyshire Police said it has referred itself to the IOPC "due to contact between Mrs Hancock and officers prior to the incident".
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Chief Supt Hayley Barnett, said: "The thoughts of everyone 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."
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