Horror injuries suffered by teen mum, 17, ‘murdered by 18-year-old man’ described as being like she was in a high-speed car crash
The new mum was rushed to hospital but died a short time later with West Yorkshire Police now investigating
A YOUNG woman who told friends she couldn't wait to become a mother has been tragically killed just weeks after giving birth - with witnesses saying her injuries were so bad it was like she had been in a car crash.
Sophie Smith, 17, was found suffering from serious injuries after police were called to a Leeds home in the early hours of Friday morning, with an 18-year-old man now arrested on suspicion of murder.
A man who witnessed the Sophie being treated by paramedics said the her injuries were so bad that at first he thought she had been in a car crash.
He told The Sun Online: "I thought she had been involved in a road traffic collision, you would expect those kinds of injuries from a high speed collision.
"She was saturated in blood, her whole face was red."
The man said that the new mother had been battered so badly that she was difficult to recognise, with her left arm also covered in bruises.
He said he was still haunted by her horrific injuries, saying: "I can’t get the image out of my head.
"I just feel for her family and the baby who now doesn't have a mum."
Sophie had shared the exciting news of her pregnancy with friends in March, and the teen inundated with congratulations.
She said: "we both can't wait I love my little seed already september cant come quick enough".
But less than six weeks after giving birth in September, police were called to a Tempest Road home about 5am on Friday to find her suffering serious injuries.
She was rushed to hospital but passed away soon after.
Friends have since spoken out of their shock, with one saying she was left was heartbroken by the news.
Georgia Charlesworth said: "I've watched the girl grow up she turned into such a beautiful young woman!!! poor baby left with no mother my heart goes out to all her family and close friends".
Another said: "Feel proper sick only soo young and she's just brought a lovely boy into this world! r.i.p sophie x (sic)"
Another friend, Joanne Follis said: "“R.i.p Sophie Smith thinking of your loved ones and your baby boy what a terrible thing to wake upto".
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Another friend, Megaan Rhodes, said her friend was "bubbly" and one of the most popular girls.
She said: "We were friends from school. She was bubbly and fun and she had everything going for her. And now it's all been ripped apart."
She said Sophie had been with her boyfriend Morgan Banks for about a year with the young woman excited to become a mum.
"She was so excited to be a new mum. She loved Morgan a lot and knew she wanted to keep the baby.
"She used to write on Facebook about how her boys were her world."
Megaan said she and Sophie had a falling out last week and she hadn't had time to apologise.
She said: "We didn't get a chance to make up and now she's gone.
"If I had the chance I'd just want to say how sorry I am. Now she's gone and I'll never be able to tell her."
Police have arrested an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
It is unclear if the pair were known to each other.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "An 18-year-old-man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody."
The spokesperson added: "Police enquiries are currently at an early stage and a scene is in place. Tempest Road is shut and diversions are in place."
Police were unable to confirm the nature of the woman's injuries.
Investigations are ongoing.
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