Misconduct Notices Issued to Officers Following Girl’s Death on M5

The independent watchdog has announced that two police officers received misconduct notices following the death of a 17-year-old girl who fled a police vehicle. Tamzin Hall, aged 17 and from Wellington, Somerset, suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a car on the M5 motorway, specifically between Taunton and Bridgwater, shortly after 23:00 GMT on 11 November. According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Tamzin was handcuffed in the rear of a police vehicle, accompanied by an officer, when the vehicle stopped for “safety reasons.” IOPC regional director David Ford stated, “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.” Tamzin exited the stationary marked police car on the motorway’s northbound carriageway and subsequently died after being struck by a vehicle on the southbound carriageway. She was en route to custody in Bridgwater, having been arrested following a disturbance at a Taunton address around 22:40 GMT. The IOPC indicated that it issued misconduct notices to both officers for a “potential breach of their duties and responsibilities.” This action followed the launch of an investigation earlier this month, initiated after the force provided notification. These notices inform officers that their conduct is under investigation but do not automatically signify that disciplinary proceedings will ensue. Mr Ford further stated, “My thoughts and sympathies remain with Tamzin’s family and friends, and everyone affected by the tragic events of that evening.” He added, “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.” During the initial hearing of an inquest into her death, it was revealed that Tamzin, a student, exited the vehicle, crossed the road, and then climbed over the crash barrier. A vehicle operated by a member of the public struck her, causing fatal injuries to her head, neck, and chest. Following the hearing, Tamzin’s mother, Amy Hall, issued a statement describing her eldest daughter as her “best friend” and conveying that the death had left their family “devastated.” She remarked, “Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever.” Ms. Hall continued, “She was my shadow from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she went to sleep at night.” Ms Hall also stated that Tamzin, who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, was “my absolute world.” She added, “She was such an intelligent young girl and had such interesting perceptions on things in life.” Concluding her statement, Ms. Hall said, “Tamzin was my absolute everything and I can’t believe she isn’t here any more.” The IOPC’s investigation will examine the police’s interactions with Tamzin before her death, encompassing their actions, decision-making processes, and risk assessments of the situation, as well as whether these adhered to pertinent training and policies.