The father of a young woman who was killed after being struck by a lorry has spoken of the family’s devastation.

Masuma Mawji died at the scene after the lorry hit her while she “walked along the zebra crossing” in Green Lane, Goodmayes, last Tuesday around 12.30pm.

The 25-year-old student, who walked with a crutch, had been working at her family’s pharmacy Nuchem, also in Green Lane, and was on a lunch break when the accident happened.

The lorry driver was arrested in connection with the incident and bailed until May.

Masuma’s father, Mohammadhussein Mawji, said the family were “absolutely devastated” by her death.

“It’s extremely sad. We’re all very shocked over what has happened,” he said.

Paying tribute Mr Mawji added: “She was a happy person who was always smiling. I remember on the day she died she was really cheerful.”

He described the support from the community as incredible: “We’ve had so many letters of condolences and flowers, so I want to say thank you to everyone. The police have also been great.”

Family friend Ray Mehta told the Post: “Masuma was very courageous and she was always out on her own despite her disability, which affected her legs.

“She always walked very slowly but she was always very careful and used the crossing.”

Annalise Stone, 17, of Stevens Road, Dagenham witnessed the accident. She said: “I saw a lady on the crossing. I was watching her and I heard her scream. I looked and saw the lorry and she was lying there on the floor.”

“I thought she’d been hit but not killed. I ran to her. I was going to give her my jacket. But a man stopped me. He said she was dead.”

Dozens of tributes have been left on Facebook. Grant Skinner Farrell wrote: “She was so kind I remember her from the chemist R.I.P XXX,” and Lorena Cabezas posted: “RIP Masuma you will be sadly missed down Green Lane and in the chemist xx.”

Masuma, who lived with her family in Hornchurch and was studying a computer course at Havering College, was buried yesterday. She leaves behind three sisters.