An inquest has been opened into the death of a ten-year-old girl who was killed near her home after being hit by a car.

Lily May Lockwood, of Radfield Drive, Stone, was fatally injured a short distance away in Watling Street, Dartford on July 10.

The Brent Primary School pupil was struck by a yellow Audi S1 near the junction with Meadow Way.

An inquest into her death was opened earlier today by Alan Blunsdon, the assistant coroner for north Kent, during a hearing in Maidstone.

It heard how she was taken to Kings College Hospital for treatment where she died shortly after on July 12.

The coroner spoke only to confirm the child's date of birth as being May 28, 2011 and an outline of the circumstances of her death.

A medical cause of death was given as "catastrophic brain injuries" related to a road traffic incident.

Mr Blunsdon said: "I'm abundantly satisfied having read that information that the body of Lily May Lockwood lays within my area and an inquest be opened."

A full inquest, to be heard at Maidstone County Hall, has been adjourned until December 22, 2021.

Tributes flooded in for Lily following her death and crowds of parents and school friends gathered at the scene to pay their respects with candles and messages.

One woman, who didn't want to give her name, described the youngster at the scene as a "lovely little girl with a heart of gold".

Flowers were also laid near the fire station, which is close to where the accident happened.

One accompanying message read: "You grew your butterfly wings too soon. Love you always."

A police investigation into the crash in Watling Street is ongoing

Another added: "You will be missed by everyone. Such a lovely little girl. Fly high Lily."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for the grieving family, amassing more than £7,000 in donations at the time of writing.

Fire crews were also in attendance at a vigil held for the schoolgirl. A post online read: "For beautiful lily. Fly high sweetheart. Love all at Dartford fire station xx"

Local Dartford councillor Kelly Grehan said the community was "devastated" and wanted to see changes to the busy street.

Police say an investigation into the incident which led to Lily's death remains ongoing.

Investigators launched an appeal for witnesses following the fatal crash last month.

A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene but was released on bail. He has since been rebailed until October 8.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the pedestrian or vehicle prior to the incident, or anyone who has any dashcam, doorbell or CCTV is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622 798538 quoting reference HW/LB/60/21.

They can also email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk

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