TWO police officers have been served with misconduct notices following the death of a 17-year-old girl who fled a police car and died on the M5 in Somerset.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the actions of Avon and Somerset Police before the death of a teenager on the M5 is continuing.

Tamzin Ellen Hall, from Wellington, Somerset, was being transported by two police officers to a custody suite at Bridgwater, after being arrested following a disturbance at an address in Taunton around 10.40pm on 11 November.

Initial evidence suggests that Tamzin was handcuffed, with her hands in front of her, and placed in the rear of a marked police Toyota Corolla. An officer was also sat alongside her.

An early account from the police driver indicates that just before 11pm, they pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway of the motorway, between junctions 25 and 24, for “safety reasons”.

As they pulled over on the northbound carriageway of the motorway, the 17-year-old managed to get out of the stationary car, fled from the vehicle and was hit by another vehicle driven by a member of the public.

Despite the attendance of paramedics, Tamzin died at the scene.

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Early stages investigation

In a statement released on Thursday, the IOPC said the two officers from Avon and Somerset Police have been served misconduct notices for a “potential breach of their duties and responsibilities”.

The notices advise officers their conduct is subject to investigation but does not necessarily mean that any disciplinary proceedings will follow.

Tamzin was being transported by the officers to a custody suite at Bridgwater, after being arrested following a disturbance at an address in Taunton around 10.40pm.

IOPC Regional Director David Ford: “My thoughts and sympathies remain with Tamzin’s family and friends, and everyone affected by the tragic events of that evening.  

“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 enquiries continue.

“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.”

The IOPC launched its investigation in the incident earlier this month after being notified by the force.

It is looking into what contact the police had with Tamzin prior to her death, including their actions, decision-making and risk assessments of the situation and whether these followed relevant training and policies.

Tribute from Amy Hall

Tamzin’s mother, Amy Hall, paid tribute to her following an inquest opening on Tuesday.

Ms Hall described her eldest daughter as her “best friend” and said the death had left their family “devastated”.

“Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever. She was the most honest person I’ve ever known; she was very special to me,” she said.

“She had a great sense of humour, and we had many laughs together.

“She was my shadow from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she went to sleep at night. She was such an intelligent young girl and had such interesting perceptions on things in life.”

She added: “Tamzin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, so she was unique and saw the world in such a different way.

“Tamzin was my absolute everything and I can’t believe she isn’t here any more. She was my world.”