Witnesses have described their horror after a 13-year-old girl was hit by a lorry in Catford and died this morning (July 16).

Emergency services were called to reports of a lorry in collision with a pedestrian on Brownhill Road near the junction with Stainton Road at around 7.35am.

News Shopper:

Police and London Ambulance Service attended the scene and a 13-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

News Shopper has spoken to several eye-witnesses to the accident, though large parts of their accounts are too distressing to print.

Dad-of-three John Lowe, 34, said: "I heard a really loud bang, I rushed out and there was a girl lying on the floor and her pencil case and schoolbag were on the floor."

He says he called emergency services but they were already on their way.

Witnesses say the girl was on or near a zebra crossing and there were other schoolchildren around.

Mr Lowe said: "That crossing is really dangerous."

Robyn Spencer, 22, said: "I was getting ready for work and I heard this loud scream. Like a high-pitched scream. It was awful.

"My dad put a blanket over her for her dignity."

She said she went to offer first aid but it was too late.

Deborah Barrett, 35, was getting her two-year-old daughter ready for school when the accident happened just outside her house.

She said: "You could hear the screeching and screaming and stuff.

"It wasn't pleasant at all."

She went on: "I know it's a zebra crossing but they really need a set of lights there too.

"Because it's such a busy road as well as cars you've got lorries because it's the road to everywhere.

"This is the second accident in six months and sadly this one is fatal.

"What's made things worse is they've removed the barriers from either side of the crossing. I think it's ridiculous."

The A205 road has reopened after being closed in both directions between the Catford Gyratory and Verdant Lane.

The male driver of the lorry stopped at the scene and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken into custody at a south London police station.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Catford Traffic Garage is investigating.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information are asked to call the witness lines on 020 8285 1574.

Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885732?