THE lorry driver who knocked down and killed a Penge schoolgirl has described how he thought he saw a "black bin liner" on the pavement moments after the incident.

The jury at Southwark Coroner's Court today heard about the heartbreaking moments Michael Taylor realised what had happened.

It is thought 10-year-old Latoya Smith, of Wordsworth Road, Penge, was listening to music on her phone when she was crossing the road to get a bus to Camelot School in Peckham and was struck by the lorry Mr Taylor was driving.

On the day of the accident on January 26, 2010 Mr Taylor was driving from a depot in Belvedere and encountered bad traffic as he reached Honor Oak.

He was sitting in stationary traffic when he noticed a girl in dark school uniform walking on the pavement, who he later realised was Latoya Smith.

The accident took place when he turned left into East Dulwich Road at the junction with Peckham Rye, Southwark.

He said: "The lights turned green and I looked both sides and forward, in the mirrors, and I put my indicators on which are fitted with a noise so people know the vehicle is turning left.

"After I turned unfortunately I noticed what looked like a black bin liner in the passenger side mirror.

"I carried on and then a lady on the pavement banged my car and I reversed a bit so I wasn't obstructing the traffic.

"I ran over to some ladies who were on the floor, I think I spoke to them but I can't remember.

"I discovered what I thought was a bin liner was a girl."

When asked by Coroner Dr Andrew Harris if he would like to say anything to the family of Latoya, Mr Taylor said: "I can only apologise for what has happened.

"I can't apologise enough."

Jury members also heard from traffic collision investigator PC Stephen Cash who analysed the crash evidence.

He confirmed the temporary traffic lights, which were being used due to road works, were around 25 metres from the mouth of the junction, where the accident took place.

He said: "Ear phones were found at the scene.

"They weren't connected with a device but they were near a phone which they were compatible with. The collision may have caused them to come apart."

Latoya suffered catastrophic injuries and was rushed to King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill where she later died.

The inquest continues.

Lorry driver who knocked down Penge child: 'I think I've just killed a little girl'