Tragic Death of Autistic Teen Tamzin Hall After Daring Escape from Police Car
Heartbreak in Somerset as 17-year-old autistic schoolgirl Tamzin Hall died last November after leaping from a moving police car on the M5. Her devastated mother lashes out at police, claiming they “desperately failed” Tamzin by ignoring her needs and not giving proper support.
How Did Tamzin Slip Free and Jump From a Moving Police Car?
Tamzin had been arrested for assault and criminal damage when she made a shocking escape. An inquest revealed she removed her handcuffs, climbed over the backseat to the front passenger door, opened it, and jumped out while the car was stopped on the northbound M5 between Taunton (J25) and Bridgwater (J24) just after 11pm.
She ran across the road, scaled a crash barrier, and was fatally hit by a car on the opposite southbound carriageway. Tamzin suffered severe head, neck, and chest injuries and was pronounced dead at 11:10pm.
Mother Blasts Police: “She Was Desperately Failed”
Tamzin’s mother, Amy Hall, told the BBC: “Tamzin was desperately failed. She never got the right help, she never got listened to.” Amy questions how her daughter managed to free herself and escape while two officers were present.
“My question is – how did she manage to get out of the handcuffs and out of the car with two police officers?”
Amy believes Tamzin, known for high-risk behaviour, should have been transported in a police van, not a car. She added: “Did they always need to call the police? Sometimes I think the way they handled talking to her made things worse.”
IOPC Launches Probe Into Police Conduct
Avon and Somerset Police have referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The watchdog is investigating officers’ actions, risk assessments, and decisions during the arrest and transport.
The IOPC report confirmed Tamzin was handcuffed with her hands in front and seated next to an officer in the rear of the vehicle. It states she removed her handcuffs en route, escaped from the moving car, and was then fatally struck on the motorway.
Remembering Tamzin: A Kind Heart Taken Too Soon
Diagnosed with autism and battling serious mental health issues, Tamzin was described by her mother as a loving, kind girl with a brilliant sense of humour. She loved cooking, birds, and helping others.
Tamzin’s father died from cancer when she was eight, deeply affecting her school life. She was placed in a care home, which Amy believes was unsuitable.
“Tamzin was the kindest, most caring, loving girl ever… She was my world. She loved simple things, loved her family, and was chocolate mad.”
Amy says she still struggles to come to terms with the loss. “I will never ever get over it, she was taken far too young.”
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