Avon and Somerset Police said its officers and members of the public have been left “devastated” by the death of a teenage girl on the M5. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation after a girl, who was being taken into police custody, got out of a police van and was struck by a car.
Emergency services were called to the scene, shortly after 11pm on Monday, November 12, but the 17-year-old girl was confirmed to have died at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer.
The girl was being transported in a police van, which was stopped by police officers while heading northbound on the M5 between Taunton and Bridgwater. Avon and Somerset Police say she left the stationary vehicle and was then involved in a crash on the southbound carriageway.
Avon and Somerset Police referred the incident to the IOPC on the grounds of a death following police contact. A police spokesperson has also said its Professional Standards Department has also been notified.
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.”
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, 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.”