A 25-year-old mother died in hospital just days after giving birth to her first child on Christmas Day, an inquest heard.

Natalie O’Shea passed away in Darent Valley Hospital after contracting pneumococcal meningitis, resulting in a fatal brain injury.

The school receptionist lived in Bonham Way, Northfleet, with her partner Greig Pender before she died on December 30, 2013.

Coroner Roger Hatch recorded a verdict of death by natural causes after a two-day inquest investigating whether Natalie's death could have been prevented.

Speaking on the family’s behalf, Anna Vroobel, a specialist medical negligence solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Natalie’s family have been left completely devastated by her death and understandably have concerns about the care she received.

“Nothing will bring Natalie back but her family want reassurances that lessons will be learned from any issues identified to prevent similar deaths in the future.”

The solicitor added that they will now be working with the family to help them to further understand what happened so that they can begin to rebuild their lives.

Stories you might have missed

Baby snatcher mounted 'vigilante' attack

Rogue landlord fined £8k

Flood-hit communities to get £17m protection

Rush hour delays after three crashes on the same road