Teenager who died on M5 last night had got out of police vehicle just before incident
The 17-year-old died when she was hit on the M5 at 11pm last night
Last updated 12th Nov 2024
The 17-year-old girl who was killed on the M5 last night had been travelling in a police vehicle which she got out of according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
An IOPC spokesperson told Kerrang! Radio that the teenager was being transported to custody on the M5 and that she had got out of the vehicle just before the collision happened
The teenage girl died after being hit by a car on the M5 in Somerset last night.
An 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 (Monday).
“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 has made a 'mandatory' referral to the IOPC following the incident.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the girl’s family"
In a statement the force said: "We can confirm the 17-year-old was being transported in a police vehicle shortly before the fatal collision.
"The officers stopped the vehicle while heading northbound between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton).
"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: “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."
The M5 was closed to enable emergency services to respond and investigative enquiries to be carried out. It has now been fully reopened.
We are grateful for the public’s patience while we have been responding to this incident.
"A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC, on the grounds of a death following police contact"
Det Ch Supt Shields continued: “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.”
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage is urged to call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.