Pregnant woman who died after 17-storey fall is named as her baby fights for life in hospital

A heavily pregnant woman who tragically died after falling 17 storeys from a Leeds tower block has been named locally, with neighbours describing her as a "beautiful soul". mum Emma Atkinson "fell from a height" on Tuesday morning, according to West Yorkshire Police, who added that her unborn child was saved and taken to hospital, where it remains in critical condition.

Tributes have poured in since she was named, including from her cousin on social media. Commenting on Facebook, Sarah Whapham said: "A call I was not expecting this morning has left us in complete shock. Emma you had the biggest personality and the biggest heart. My beautiful cousin rest peacefully."

Another post from Megan Moore remembered her as a "beautiful lady".

She wrote: "Rest in peace you beautiful lady. I cannot believe I'm actually writing this. Always a beautiful soul in and out...Thinking of your children at home and praying for your baby girl in hospital will be okay. Another woman posting on Facebook said: "Absolutely devastating news today, I can't believe it, been sat crying all afternoon. "She added: "Sending love n hugs to everyone at this sad time RIP Emma Acko.

" Another said: "Rest in peace Emma Acko my heart is breaking for everyone will always remember your bubbly self. " And one man added: "Rest In Peace Emma Acko ... you we're and still always will be an amazing woman no matter what we always had a proper goood laugh and good times together, reports the Mirror.

" A friend penned a heart-wrenching tribute: "Emma Acko oh my heart I can't believe it I've been in denial all day, I am broke, one of the best, I honestly can't put into words the pain in my heart for you and your kids it's just devastating. " Another added their voice to the outpouring of grief, saying: "RIP Emma Acko a beautiful soul gone far too soon...thinking of your children and family at this sad time...sleep tight sweet girl.

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"She added: "I'll cherish the memories sleep tight. " Local councillor Luke Farley expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating: "deeply distressing", and conveyed his and his Labour colleagues' heartfelt sympathies: "pass on our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the person who has died".

West Yorkshire Police released a statement earlier today confirming that they were summoned to the scene in Burmantofts around 10.30am on Tuesday by the ambulance service, noting the absence of "suspicious circumstances" related to the death.The police statement detailed: "At 10.24am today, police were contacted by the ambulance service who had been called to an incident where a woman had fallen from height at Shakespeare Towers, in Shakespeare Approach, Burmantofts.

The woman died at the scene as result of her injuries. There were no suspicious circumstances and the Coroner's Office has been informed.

"She added: "The woman, aged in her thirties, was in the late stage of pregnancy and her baby was delivered at hospital after the incident and is receiving critical care. ".