Police given misconduct notices over girl's M5 death

Two police officers have been served with misconduct notices after a 17-year-old girl died after fleeing a police vehicle, the watchdog has announced.

Tamzin Hall, 17, from Wellington, Somerset, sustained fatal injuries when she was struck by a car on the M5, between Taunton and Bridgwater shortly after 23:00 GMT on 11 November.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said Ms Hall was handcuffed in the back of a police vehicle when it had pulled over for "safety reasons".

"Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what took place, from the time of Tamzin's arrest, to how events unfolded a short time later on the M5," said IOPC Regional Director David Ford.

Ms Hall fled the stationary marked police car on the northbound carriageway of the motorway, and died after being hit by a car on the southbound carriageway.

The IOPC said it has served both officers with misconduct notices for a potential breach of their duties and responsibilities.

Such notices advise officers their conduct is subject to investigation, and do not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.

"My thoughts and sympathies remain with Tamzin's family and friends, and everyone affected by the tragic events of that evening," Mr Ford continued.

"We have met with Tamzin's family to offer our condolences and to outline how our investigation will progress. We will provide them with regular updates as our inquiries continue."