Police investigating the deaths of a 23-year-old woman and a man in his 30s are probing whether the incident was the result of stalking.
The deaths occurred within hours of each other in fields near the Derbyshire village of Duckmanton on Friday.
Paramedics were called after a young woman was found with stab wounds in a field near stables but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. She was named locally as keen equestrian Gracie Spinks.
Friends of the victims suggested Spinks had recently been hounded by a stalker and had taken out a restraining order against him.
Derbyshire police said a man’s body was found in a field in another part of the village nearly three hours later.
The force said officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths. It refused to comment on the stalking allegations, saying the investigation was ongoing.
It said the families of both the deceased had been traced and specially trained officers were supporting them.
In a social media tribute, Alicia Jordan posted: “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.”
Brennan Newton posted: “She will be missed loads, heart of gold absolutely gutted X.”
After her death friends started a fundraising page, and had raised more than £1,600 by Saturday evening. At the wish of her family, all of the money raised will be put towards the upkeep of her horse, which she named Paddy.
Abbey Griffin, one of the fundraisers, said: “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.”
Spinks had also been working as a part-time model, the Sun reported.
Derbyshire police said extra patrols would take place in the village. Officers urged locals to “stop and speak to an officer if you wish to raise any concerns”.
If stalking is found to be a factor in the killing, it will add to pressure on the government to create a stalkers register – a measure controversially omitted from the domestic abuse bill which gained royal assent earlier this year.
The Home Office was accused of betraying victims after abandoning moves to create an automatic register of dangerous domestic abusers and stalkers.
Instead, the government promised to improve statutory guidance around the current system for monitoring high-risk criminals to better include serial stalkers and domestic abusers.