Girl who died after leaving police vehicle on M5 named as Tamzin Hall

A teenage girl who ran away from a parked police car on the M5 and was tragically hit by a vehicle has been identified as Tamzin Hall.

A 17-year-old from Wellington, Somerset, lost his life after being hit by a car heading south on the motorway between Bridgwater and Taunton just after 11 PM on Monday.

A required referral was submitted to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) oversight body due to earlier interactions with the police.

According to the police, Hall was being moved to a detention facility in a police car when he exited the vehicle on the northbound side of the highway just moments before the accident occurred.

The Avon and Somerset police stated: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tamzin's family during this incredibly challenging time. A dedicated family liaison officer is in regular communication with them to offer updates and support. The family has requested privacy as they navigate through this difficult period."

The event resulted in the motorway being shut down in both directions on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

A representative from the IOPC announced on Tuesday: "We have initiated an inquiry into the events leading to the death of a 17-year-old girl who was hit by a car on the M5 close to Taunton last night."

Avon and Somerset police informed us that the girl was in a police vehicle on her way to custody but had exited the vehicle just moments before the accident occurred. We dispatched our investigators to the scene to start collecting evidence related to the incident. Our thoughts are with the girl’s family and all those impacted by her tragic loss.