A PENGE schoolgirl was killed as a result of an accident, a jury has ruled following a seven-day inquest.

Latoya Smith, of Wordsworth Road, Penge, died on January 26, 2010, after being hit by a lorry driven by Michael Taylor on her way to Camelot School in Peckham.

Southwark Coroner's Court heard how the 10-year-old was thought to be wearing headphones as she walked into a busy road.  She was weeks away from her 11th birthday.

The jury heard about the moment Mr Taylor realised what had happened.

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.

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 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."

Witness Christine Waldron was in the car behind the lorry.

She said: "It was something I never wanted to see and I hope I never have to see again.

"After the accident I banged on the lorry window and the driver said to me, ‘I think I just killed a little girl’ but I said I thought she was still alive because she was moving."

Jury members also heard there had been building works at the junction.

The permanent traffic lights were not working so temporary traffic lights had been put up and there was a sign which said ‘No Crossing Here’.

Traffic collision investigator PC Stephen Cash, who analysed the crash evidence, confirmed the temporary lights were around 25 metres from the mouth of the junction where the accident took place.

He said: "Earphones 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 was rushed to King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill and died of multiple injuries.

The inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death.