A TEENAGE girl died in a crash on the Somerset M5 motorway between Taunton and Bridgwater last night (November 11) after fleeing from a police vehicle.

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed the 17-year-old girl 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 immediately 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 pronounced deceased at the scene and her next of kin have been informed.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said in a statement that they were investigating the incident.

A mandatory referral has been made to the independent Office for Police Conduct following the death of a teenage girl on the M5 overnight (November 11-12). 

A 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.

“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.”

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 and the police 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 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.”

Avon and Somerset Police said the girl’s next of kin were being supported by a specially trained officer.

A force spokesman added that no-one else had been injured in the collision.

He said: “A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.”

Nationals Highways confirmed that the motorway reopened in both directions shortly after 11am on Tuesday.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, with the log number 1170 of November 11.