Tributes to girl hit by bus

19 March 2011, 06:25 | Updated: 19 March 2011, 06:30

A 12-year-old schoolgirl killed after being hit by a double-decker bus in south east London - was a ballet dancer in the musical Billy Elliot.

Charlotte Leatherbarrow died after being hit near her home in Herne Hill on Thursday night.

Her family have said that Charlotte "loved life and lived it to the full."

Children's dance captain Alan Bradshaw, who worked closely with Charlotte during her stint on Billy Elliot, paid tribute to her on behalf of fellow members of cast and crew.

"Charlotte was the most adorable girl," he said. "She was lively and energetic, had a wonderful smile and was an absolute pleasure to work with.

The bus driver, who was treated at the scene, escaped without serious injury. The accident is being investigated by police who are asking for witnesses to come forward.

An inquest into Charlotte's death is to be opened and adjourned, Scotland Yard said. A post-mortem will be carried out on Monday.