Tribute to M3 brick death driver

Mr Little was praised for his actions by the police and his employers

Family and friends of a lorry driver who died when a brick crashed through his windscreen have returned to the accident scene to place a plaque.

Michael Little, 53, from Hornchurch, Essex, died on 21 March, 2003, as he drove his lorry on the M3 in Surrey.

Mr Little's partner, Sue Norman, and sister, Beverley Little, paid tribute to him describing him as "our hero".

The driver, who died from heart failure, was praised for steering his lorry safely to the side of the road.

We miss your smile and sense of humour, our lives are empty without you, forever in our hearts and never to be forgotten The inscription on the plaque

Both police and Mr Little's employers, the Ford Motor Company commended his actions.

Ms Norman said: "Before he died he steered his lorry over, put his hazard lights on and turned his ignition to the last click which still allowed the electrics to work, his foot was still on the brakes.

"That was Micky all over, he was the sort of person who always thought of others, he was very safety conscious, he taught me an awful lot, he was very proud of doing his job.

"I miss everything about him, the year has gone so quickly.

The brick went through the windscreen and hit Mr Little's chest

"I found it very difficult coming here.

"When we came onto the M3 I just felt cold."

The black granite plaque, which was paid for by Ms Norman, is inscribed with gold letters under a small photograph of Mr Little.

It reads: "In loving memory of our hero Micky Little - tragically taken from us by such a senseless act doing the job he loved.

"We miss your smile and sense of humour, our lives are empty without you, forever in our hearts and never to be forgotten."

A man is due to stand trial at the Old Bailey in connection with Mr Little's death.