A 17-year-old girl died after being hit by a car on the M5 in Somerset shortly after getting out of a stationary police vehicle, the police watchdog has said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the teenager was being transported to custody by Avon and Somerset Police before the incident, which happened between junctions 24 for Bridgwater and 25 for Taunton.
Police said the girl left the vehicle after officers stopped on the northbound carriageway and was later hit by another vehicle on the opposite side, at about 11pm on Monday.
An IOPC spokesperson said an investigation had begun, adding: “Our sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”
IOPC investigators were later sent to the scene to gather evidence.
Police said the ambulance service was on the scene within minutes but the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. No-one else was injured.
Det Ch Supt Rachel Shields said the force’s thoughts were “first and foremost with the girl’s family”, who were being supported by specially trained officers “at what is an incredibly difficult time following the tragic loss of such a young life”.
“A critical incident was declared and our Professional Standards Department notified overnight. A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC,” she said.
“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.”
The M5 was closed in both directions following the crash while inquiries were carried out and repairs were made to make the motorway safe.
National Highways confirmed later on Tuesday morning that the northbound carriageway had reopened between junctions 24 and 25, and the southbound carriageway reopened shortly afterwards.
The site of the collision was near Creech Heathfield, close to Taunton.
