Tragic Incident on M5 Motorway: Teenage Girl Fatally Struck After Leaving Police Vehicle
Tamzin Hall, a 17-year-old from Wellington, Somerset, died in a devastating incident on the M5 motorway after being hit by a car following her exit from a stationary police vehicle. The incident occurred shortly after 23:00 GMT on Monday, between junctions 24 and 25 of the motorway.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Tamzin was being transported in a police car from an address in Taunton to a custody suite in Bridgwater when the vehicle stopped on the northbound carriageway. Shortly after leaving the police car, she was involved in a collision with a civilian vehicle on the southbound side of the motorway.
Emergency services were quickly dispatched, with an ambulance arriving within minutes. Despite immediate medical attention, Tamzin tragically died at the scene.
Avon and Somerset Police have expressed deep sympathy for Tamzin’s family, describing the incident as “hugely distressing” and likely to cause significant public shock. The force has referred itself to the IOPC for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
IOPC Director David Ford emphasized the organization’s commitment to thoroughly investigating the incident. “This was a truly tragic event,” Ford stated, expressing condolences to Tamzin’s family and friends. The IOPC is currently gathering evidence, including taking accounts from the involved officers and collecting witness statements.
The police watchdog has also informed the coroner and conducted a post-mortem examination on Thursday afternoon. A specially-trained family liaison officer remains in contact with Tamzin’s family to provide support and updates throughout the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Jon Cummins acknowledged the gravity of the situation, recognizing the profound impact such an incident can have on the community. The police force has requested privacy for Tamzin’s family during this difficult time.
The investigation aims to understand the full context of how and why Tamzin left the police vehicle and the subsequent events that led to her tragic death. The IOPC has committed to keeping the family fully informed as their investigation progresses.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected and devastating ways tragedy can occur, leaving a community in mourning and seeking answers about the circumstances that led to such a loss.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the IOPC continues its independent review of the incident.
