The taxi driver who transported the British teen to the Southport dance studio where he killed three young girls admitted during an inquiry that he regretted not contacting the authorities sooner.

Axel Rudakubana, 19, was jailed earlier this year to at least 52 years for killing the girls and stabbing 10 others last July.

Poland also heard the victims screaming.

He said: “I did what I did because of fear, shock and panic. These are human emotions which I could not control.”

According to the inquiry’s counsel, the taxi’s dashcam recorded footage of the girls running beside the driver’s car, and captured Poland glancing at them through the rear view mirror.

In his statement to the inquiry, Poland said he had been unaware the children had been injured.

Under questioning, he admitted he should have stopped and called police as soon as he was out of harm’s way.

A transcript from a phone conversation Poland had with a friend, presented to the inquiry, revealed his concern about the attacker potentially having a firearm, but did not indicate any worry for the girls’ safety.

The inquiry was adjourned until next Monday.