The police watchdog has launched a probe after a girl died on the motorway.
Officers in a police car were transporting the 17-year-old northbound on the M5 towards Bridgwater in Somerset shortly before 11pm on Monday (11 November).
The vehicle was stopped and the girl exited into the carriageway. She was subsequently struck by a vehicle on the southbound carriageway, where she was pronounced dead.
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 enable emergency services to respond and investigative enquiries to be carried out. It has now been fully reopened.
Det Ch Supt Shields continued: “We believe it is important that we are as transparent as possible at this early stage about the tragic circumstances.
“A critical incident was declared and our Professional Standards Department notified overnight. A mandatory referral has been made to the IOPC.
“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.”
