Teenage girl who died on M5 motorway in Somerset was fleeing police vehicle
A 17-year-old girl who died after being hit by a car on the M5 was being taken to custody in a police vehicle and had got out shortly before the collision, the police watchdog has said.
The teenager died on the motorway near Taunton, Somerset, at around 11.30pm on Monday 11 November.
The motorway was closed for 12 hours for investigations to be carried out. It has since reopened.
Avon and Somerset Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC has now confirmed the girl was being taken into custody in a police vehicle before the fatal incident.
The IOPC spokesperson said: “We have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle on the M5 near Taunton last night.
“We were advised by Avon and Somerset Police that the girl was being transported to custody in a police vehicle and had got out of the vehicle shortly before the collision.
“We sent our investigators to the police post incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death.”
Avon and Somerset Police says the girl’s next of kin were being supported by a specially trained officer.
A force spokesman added that no-one else had been injured in the collision.
They said the girl got out of the vehicle as it was stopped. The ambulance service were called and attended within a few minutes but the teenager died at the scene.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the girl’s family.
“Overnight we have updated her next of kin regarding what has happened and we will ensure they are supported by specially-trained officers at what is an incredibly difficult time following the tragic loss of such a young life.”
Det Ch Supt Shields added: “We believe it is important that we are as transparent as possible at this early stage about the tragic circumstances.
“A critical incident was declared and our Professional Standards Department notified overnight. A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC, on the grounds of a death following police contact.
“The IOPC has decided to take on the investigation independently, and we welcome the oversight it will give.
“We recognise this incident has had a significant effect on the devastated officers and members of the public who witnessed what happened, as well as other officers and staff involved in our response. We will ensure they are able to access any welfare support they may benefit from following this tragedy.”