Police officers served with misconduct notices over death of girl who fled custody on M5

Two police officers have been served with misconduct notices following the death of a girl with autism who fled a police car on the M5. Tamzin Hall, 17, was fatally struck by a car on the motorway after escaping custody [1] in Somerset. She was being taken to custody in Bridgwater from an address in Taunton on the night of November 11 when officers pulled over for "safety reasons".

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said she had her hands cuffed in front of her and had an officer sat beside her. She fled the stationary marked police car on the northbound carriageway and died after being hit by a car on the southbound carriageway. Tamzin's mum has since paid a heartbreaking tribute to her [2], describing her daughter as the "most caring, loving, loyal girl ever". IOPC investigators have since examined witness accounts and obtained CCTV and body worn camera footage.

The two officers have been served with misconduct notices for a potential breach of their duties and responsibilities. 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 inquiries 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 added: "We began our investigation earlier this month after being notified by the force.

We are looking at the contact the two Avon and Somerset Police officers 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."

An inquest into Tamzin's death was opened and adjourned earlier this week.

References

^ fatally struck by a car on the motorway after escaping custody (www.somersetlive.co.uk)
^ Tamzin's mum has since paid a heartbreaking tribute to her (www.somersetlive.co.uk)