Mum died from tower block fall injuries - inquest

A heavily pregnant woman who fell from the ninth floor of a tower block died from multiple injuries, an inquest opening has heard.

Mother-of-five Emma Atkinson, 38, was visiting her father at his flat in Shakespeare Towers, Burmantofts, Leeds, on 22 October, when she fell, the inquest was told.

Ms Atkinson's baby survived the fall and was delivered later in hospital, where it is believed to remain in a critical condition.

Area Coroner Oliver Longstaff said Ms Atkinson was declared dead at 12:00 BST. He added that an inquest into her death would be required, with a date yet to be fixed.

Mr Longstaff said: "It appears Emma Atkinson died at Leeds General Infirmary where she had been brought, having fallen from her father's flat on the ninth floor below to the ground beneath."

Ms Atkinson was identified by her father David Atkinson, the inquest heard.

Mr Longstaff added: "I would like to take this opportunity to express to Ms Atkinson's family and friends my sincere condolences upon their loss."

West Yorkshire Police previously confirmed Ms Atkinson had been in the late stages of pregnancy and her baby was still receiving critical care after being delivered in hospital.

An online fundraising page set up following Ms Atkinson's death has raised more than £6,000 in a week.

The organiser of the fundraiser wrote on the page that Ms Atkinson was "our beautiful friend".

She had "the biggest heart" and would have "done anything to help anyone", they added.

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