M5 reopens in both directions after teenage girl died in crash

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the death of a teenage girl

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the death of a teenage girl who died on the M5 after a crash. The girl, who was taken into custody by Avon and Somerset Police officers, had exited the police vehicle just before the collision.

Emergency services were called to the M5 between Taunton and Bridgwater at around 11pm on Monday, November 11 but the 17-year-old girl was pronounced dead. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer.

Avon and Somerset Police referred the incident to the IOPC due to "prior police contact", the force said in a statement. The IOPC has since said the girl was being detained by officers at the time of the crash and had gotten out of a police van before a car struck her.An IOPC 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 (Monday).

“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.”

The M5 was closed in both directions throughout the night and morning while an investigation was carried out at the scene, before being fully reopened by around 11am today (Tuesday, November 12). Avon and Somerset Police are now appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the crash.

A police spokesperson said: "The M5 is closed in both directions between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton) following a fatal collision. The collision, involving a pedestrian and a car, happened at about 11pm yesterday (11 November) and sadly the pedestrian, a 17-year-old girl, died at the scene.

"Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by a specially trained officer. Our thoughts are with them. No one else was injured in the collision.

"The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out. A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.

"If you witnessed the collision or have any dashcam footage which could help our investigation, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November."