Horse rider model, 23 killed in vicious field attack before man found dead in village murder-suicide

A horse lover killed in a field attack had been hounded by a stalker and took out a restraining order against him, her close pals revealed today.

Tragic Gracie Spinks, 23, a part-time model, was found critically injured in the picturesque village of Duckmanton, near Chesterfield, Derbyshire, yesterday morning.

Her body was discovered at 8.40am on Friday, before a man was discovered dead nearby at 11am

It is believed she was brutally attacked while she was tending her beloved horse, Paddy.

Paramedics rushed to Staveley Road at 8.40am - five miles from her home in Old Whittington - in a desperate bid to save her life but she tragically died at the scene.

The body of a man in his thirties was found a short time later across fields half a mile away.

Devastated pals of the aspiring eventer and show jumper told how she had recently been “bothered by a weird man who was totally obsessed with her.”

One friend, who declined to be named, told The Sun: “We are aware that she had a stalker but didn't know who he was. We heard she had taken out a restraining order against him because he was becoming quite a pest.

“She’s a beautiful young woman, very popular, and he was obsessed with her and kept turning up at the stables. He was infatuated with her.”

The pal added: “But we don't know if this man is the same man who killed her and then himself.

“Gracie was a very private person who didn't disclose much about her personal life. She had a close knit circle of friends who she trusted."

Cops said the two deaths are linked

She said that Gracie’s mum Alison was “besides herself with grief,” adding: “The whole family are utterly distraught.”

Another equestrian pal said: “Gracie didn't have a boyfriend, she only had time for her horse and was always riding and loved competing whenever she could. She was a talented rider.

“We heard a weird man was bothering her but don't know if he was from the riding community. He was totally obsessed with her."

Derbyshire Police declined to discuss the possibility Gracie had a stalker known to them.

A forces spokesperson said: "We cannot confirm or deny this. As this is a live investigation we are not able to comment.”

The name of the dead man has not yet been released but his family are aware.

Striking blonde six-foot Gracie, who described herself as “single” and “horse mad”, modelled part-time for a London agency to help pay for her horse and fund her passion for showjumping, cross country and dressage.

She lost her stepfather David Heaton, aged 65, just last month, and posted on FB: “RIP to my step dad Dave. I’ll love and miss you forever."

Tributes on social media have flooded in for Gracie, who was described as the "life and soul of the party".

Mourners have also laid flowers outside her family home where loved ones have gathered and are being supported by specialist officers. They are too upset to talk.

Pal Alicia Jordan posted on Facebook: “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 four 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.”

Gracie’s heartbroken friends paid tribute to her tonight with one Georgie Simpson saying: “Cannot even comprehend what has happened today. Such a beautiful girl with a huge heart.

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