Teenage girl killed on M5 motorway while exiting police car named as cops issue fresh update

A teenage girl who was tragically killed on the M5 motorway[1] while exiting a stationary police car has been formally identified. Tamzin Hall, 17, died at about 11pm on Monday after being hit by a car on the M5 between junctions 24 Bridgwater and 25 near Taunton in Somerset. She had exited a police vehicle that had stopped on the northbound side while transporting her, moments before the incident.

A mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is now carrying out its own investigation into what happened. Avon and Somerset Police[2] said: "Our thoughts and sympathies go out to Tamzin's family for their devastating loss. A specially-trained family liaison officer remains in contact with them to keep them updated and to provide support."

Police said the family have asked for privacy at this difficult time. In a previous statement police said: ''The officers stopped the vehicle while heading northbound between junctions 25 (Taunton) and 24 (Bridgwater).

''The girl exited the stationary police vehicle, and she was subsequently tragically involved in a collision on the southbound carriageway involving another vehicle, shortly after 11pm. ''The ambulance service were called and attended within a few minutes. The girl was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.''

Detective Chief Superintendent Rachel Shields said staff will be "able to access welfare support" following the tragedy. She added: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with the girl's family. 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. 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, plus members of the public, who witnessed what happened, as well as other officers and staff involved in our response.

''We will ensure staff are able to access any welfare support they may benefit from following this tragedy."

References

1. ^ M5 motorway (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Avon and Somerset Police (www.mirror.co.uk)