Two police officers have been served with misconduct notices after a teenager with autism escaped from a police car and died on the M5.
Tamzin Hall, a 17-year-old from Wellington, Somerset, was being taken into custody when officers pulled over onto the hard shoulder for “safety reasons” shortly before 11pm on 11 November, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
She had been handcuffed with her hands in front of her and an officer was sitting beside her, the IOPC added.
As the car pulled over on the northbound carriageway of the motorway the teenager managed to get out and was hit by a car, sustaining fatal injuries.
Tamzin was being transported by officers to a custody suite at Bridgwater after being arrested following a disturbance at an address in Taunton around 10.40pm.
In a statement the IOPC said the two officers from Avon and Somerset Police had been served misconduct notices for a “potential breach of their duties and responsibilities”.
Such notices advise officers their conduct is subject to an investigation, but does not necessarily mean any disciplinary proceedings will follow.
IOPC regional director David Ford said: “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 began its investigation earlier this month and is looking into what contact the police had with Tamzin prior to her death, including their actions, decision-making and risk assessments of the situation, and whether these followed the relevant training and policies.
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Mother pays tribute to ‘very special’ daughter
Speaking after an inquest was opened into Tamzin’s death on Tuesday, Amy Hall paid tribute to her “very special” daughter, who she said had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“Tamzin was the most kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever. She was the most honest person I’ve ever known; she was very special to me,” she said.
“She had a great sense of humour, and we had many laughs together.”
She added: “Tamzin was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, so she was unique and saw the world in such a different way.
“Tamzin was my absolute everything and I can’t believe she isn’t here any more. She was my world.”
She said: “She was only 17 but she has taught me a lot and I can use that memory and hold on to that.
“I will never ever get over it, she was taken far too young.”