What we know about death of girl on M5 fleeing police car
A 17-year-old girl who was being transported by police has died after being struck by a car on the M5 motorway.
The girl was being taken to custody when she reportedly got out of the Avon and Somerset Police vehicle late last night.
Police confirmed the girl died at the scene, between Bridgwater and Taunton in Somerset, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog is now carrying out an investigation to establish what led to the girl's death. Here's what we know so far.
What happened on the M5?
Avon and Somerset Police say the girl was being transported in a police vehicle shortly before she was hit by a car at around 11am on the M5.
Officers stopped the vehicle while heading northbound between junctions 25 (Taunton) and 24 (Bridgwater), the force says.
While the vehicle was still stationary, the girl got out and was subsequently hit on the southbound carriageway, police add.
The ambulance service attended the scene within minutes, and the girl was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said no one else had been injured.
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 clear the way for emergency services and investigators, and was fully reopened in both directions after 11am on Tuesday.
In a statement, the IOPC said it was investigating the incident – as is mandatory for all cases of people dying while in police custody, or deaths following recent police contact.
A spokesperson for the watchdog said: "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.”
What we don't know
Police have yet to reveal multiple details about the incident, including why the girl was taken into custody.
Although many reports have described the girl as fleeing the police car, the circumstances that led to her leaving the vehicle have not been outlined by authorities. Questions also remain over how she was able to leave the vehicle and make her way to the southbound carriageway while under the supervision of police officers.
The girl is yet to be named or pictured, and while her family have been informed, they are yet to speak out publicly about her death.
More details will emerge as the IOPC concludes its investigation.
The girl was hit between junctions 24 and 25 of the M5 - between Bridgwater and Taunton. (Google Maps)
Det Ch Supt Shields said: “We believe it is important that we are as transparent as possible at this early stage about the tragic circumstances. 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, plus members of the public, who witnessed what happened, as well as other officers and staff involved in our response. We will ensure staff are able to access any welfare support they may benefit from following this tragedy.”
Avon and Somerset Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact the force on 101, with the log number 1170 of 11 November.