17-Year-Old Girl Dies in M5 Motorway Collision After Fleeing Police Custody

The incident occurred late Monday night, prompting an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The teenager was being transported to custody by Somerset Police when she exited the vehicle and was struck by a car.
The fatal collision happened around 11pm on the M5 motorway between Bridgwater and Taunton.
The M5 was closed in both directions for several hours to allow police to conduct inquiries.
The girl's next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the prior police contact.