Family grief over woman's death

Katie Bennett died in hospital on Monday

The family of a 21-year-old mother who fell from a moving taxi said she has been taken from them "in a meaningless way" that should never have happened.

Katie Louise Bennett died in hospital following the incident in Newchapel, Stoke-on-Trent, on Saturday. She and six friends took the taxi from Hanley.

Her family said she was a "fun-loving, popular girl" who will be sadly missed.

A 30-year-old taxi driver who was arrested has been released on bail without charge, pending more inquiries.

'Important times'

Ms Bennett, who leaves a two-year-old daughter, suffered severe head injuries in the early hours of Saturday.

The 21-year-old, from the Newchapel area, died in hospital on Monday.

In a statement, her family said she was kind-hearted.

"We are all left now to raise her daughter and hopefully make Katie very proud," it said.

"Unfortunately, Katie will miss out on the simple parts of her daughter's life - her first day at school, her first friend, nativity plays - and the important times - her first boyfriend, marriage, children.

"All of this for an incident that should not have happened.

"We would like to thank all the staff at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire, organ donor organisations and also the police, who have worked quickly and with compassion."