A young mum was stabbed in the heart in a railway station car park, an inquest has heard.

Stephanie Marie was found dying inside a tent at Crawley Station last month.

The 19-year-old mother from Horley was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday, August 18, an inquest heard.

Her family said the student, who was born in Mauritius, had her whole life ahead of her.

Stephanie’s family said in a statement: “Stephanie was a much-loved daughter, sister and mother.

"We are devastated that her young life has been ended in this way.

"She had her whole life ahead of her.

"At school she excelled at sport and loved basketball, football and gymnastics.

"We will miss her so much.

"Life will never be the same.”

READ MORE: Man appears in court charged with murder of teenager

Sussex Police said they were called to Station Way, Crawley, at around 7.10am following reports of an altercation between a man and a woman.

Coroner's Officer Rachel Greenhill told the hearing in Horsham on Monday: "Emergency services were call to scene following reports from a member of the public.

"On first attendance, police have located Ms Marie unconscious within a tent, with apparent stab wounds.

"Paramedics arrived and attempted life-saving measures on Ms Marie, but sadly she was later declared deceased at scene."

Following a post mortem examination at Worthing Hospital on August 23, the provisional cause of death was given as stab wounds to the heart and aorta.

At a hearing at Lewes Crown Court last month the father of her child, Jason Pascal Flore, 26, was told he will face a trial for the murder of Stephanie Marie in the new year.

He spoke only to confirm his name.

His family were in court and waved to him.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Sam Blackburn said: “Our specialist officers are supporting Stephanie’s family and friends

“We continue to urge anyone with any information which could aid our investigation to get in touch with us.”  

A trial is expected to take place at the same court in February next year.