A child died after being hit by two cars as he crossed the road near his London Colney home, an inquest heard.

Daniel Handscombe, 13, suffered extensive head injuries in the crash, which took place in Shenley Lane on December 17 last year.

An inquest held at Hatfield Coroner’s Court on Wednesday heard that Daniel had left his home in Norris Close at around 5pm on the way to visit a friend.

He was hit first by a Vauxhall Corsa as he crossed Shenley Lane then bounced into the path of a Fiat 500.

He crossed at a pedestrian crossing on the road although both drivers said the light was green to traffic at the time, a police investigation concluded it is likely he had been running.

Salvatori Bernardi, who was driving the Fiat, said: "I was just driving along when suddenly and unexpectedly something hit my windscreen, I was shocked and terrified.

"It came so quick and unexpectedly, the only thing I could do in shock was slam on the brakes.

"When I got out I was so shocked I couldn’t stand on my legs."

Janice Heath, who was driving the Vauxhall, said: "I was driving along, I just got to the lights, when I heard the most horrendous bang and saw something fly past my window.

"I tried to get out of my door but I couldn’t so I climbed across to the passenger side.

"Somebody said to me ‘there is somebody in the road, call an ambulance’."

Daniel was pronounced dead at the scene and coroner Edward Thomas concluded the death was the result of an accident.

St Albans & Harpenden Review:

Tributes were left for Daniel where he died in Shenley Lane.

He said: "I feel very sorry for Daniel and his family, it must be awful."

Shortly after Daniel’s death, his mother, Sam Day told the Review: "He was a very laid back character and he hated arguments.

"He was so sensitive and cared so much for other people’s feelings.

"He loved his mum, his home and having food and treats. He also enjoyed playing on his Xbox.

"He was also a much loved brother. He would influence his younger siblings and hold them to account if they misbehaved.

"Daniel also loved listening to music such as Nickelback and Black Veil Brides. He also enjoyed listening to Bob Marley.

"We are all trying to come to terms with what has happened. This has left a massive hole in our lives. Daniel is irreplaceable. We will love him and miss him forever."

Daniel was a pupil at the Samuel Ryder Academy and he previously attended Bowmansgreen Primary School.

His mother added: "Staff at the school really helped Daniel and he was very happy there."

Daniel was born in Hemel Hempstead in May 1999.

Ms Day said: "He was a beautiful baby. We were always getting stopped in the street with people admiring him. He really was a joy to bring up."