Boy died when lorry hit him on zebra crossing

An 11-year-old boy died when a lorry struck him as he cycled over a zebra crossing, a coroner said.

George Dennis suffered a fatal head injury in the collision, an inquest opening in Chelmsford was told.

It happened in Epping Road, Chipping Ongar, Essex, at about 16:20 BST on 10 July.

The lorry driver, a 48-year-old man from Derbyshire, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and bailed until September.

More than £112,000 has been raised by members of the public to support George's family since his death.

Opening his inquest, area coroner Michelle Brown said the Tottenham Hotspur fan had been "cycling with friends" before his death.

"As he was cycling across a pedestrian crossing, he was struck by a large goods vehicle travelling from the direction of the M11," she said.

"Ambulance crews attended, and he was immediately taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital [in Harlow]."

George was pronounced dead by hospital staff at 17:45.

Brown suspended the inquest so Essex Police could continue its investigation and pledged to review proceedings in four months.

Paying tribute to her son after his death, Emma Dennis described George as having "the kindest heart" and a "one of a kind" personality.

Nicknamed "Twinkle Toes", he played football for Ongar Juniors and was a pupil at the village's Moreton Primary School.

"The pain of losing him is impossible to put into words, and we simply do not know how we will ever begin to heal as a family," his mother added.

Drivers who were in the area when the collision happened have been urged by police to check their dashcams for any footage that might help the case.

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