THE Gwent parents of a woman killed shortly before Christmas have spoken of their grief and say they feel as though they are yet to “wake up from a bad dream”.

Martin and Joy Paton returned to their Chepstow home on Monday, following the death of their daughter Claire Paton.

The 38-year-old mum, whose married name was Nagle, was found seriously injured at her home in the village of Borrowash, Derbyshire, on December 16 and later died of her injuries.

Her husband Vincent Nagle, 44, was found dead along the M1 around half an hour later, after colliding with a lorry.

Ms Paton’s dad said on his return to the area yesterday: “We feel as if we’re in a bad dream, this place just doesn’t feel like our home anymore.

“Christmas was difficult. Me and my wife spent Christmas and New Year in a hotel.

“Claire’s children didn’t get a Christmas. While they got a lot of presents, the three of them have lost both of their parents.”

“The youngest celebrated her fourth birthday yesterday,” he added.

Derbyshire police were first alerted to the situation when Ms Paton’s 22-year-old son from a previous relationship was also found seriously injured at a home in the Derbyshire area.

His injuries, and the deaths of Ms Paton and Mr Nagle were linked by the officers, with a murder investigation subsequently launched.

A spokeswoman for Derbyshire Constabulary said today: “The matter is now in the hands of the Derby and Derbyshire coroner.”

An inquest into Ms Paton’s death was opened and adjourned last month.

Mr Paton revealed that his daughter, who he described as “beautiful, gregarious, outgoing, family-living and fun”, had visited Monmouthshire the day before her death, for his wife’s birthday.

Ms Paton was also in the process of studying for a mental health nursing degree, having already had a law degree, he said.

Her 54-year-old father added: “She was very intelligent, she was starting her second degree.

“She was doing well at it as well and had taken on extra responsibilities when she was on placement.”

Mr Paton said he was also grateful for the support of the people of Borrowash, who set up an appeal to help pay for Christmas presents for his grandchildren, as well as covering funeral costs.

“They’ve been absolutely magnificent,” he said. “If it weren’t for them I don’t think that we would have got through the first week.”