Two cops cleared after teen bolts from police van and is killed on M5. Tamzin Hall, 17, from Wellington, Somerset, died after escaping from a parked police car on the M5 in November 2024. Despite a police probe, no disciplinary action will be taken against the officers involved.
Chaos on the M5: How Did Tamzin Escape?
Tamzin was in police custody following an incident at her children’s home in Taunton. The officers pulled over on the M5 hard shoulder between junctions 24 and 25 for safety.
While the van stood still, Tamzin slipped out of her handcuffs and fled. Tragically, she was hit by a vehicle on the opposite carriageway around 11pm.
Officers Investigated, But Cleared of Wrongdoing
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a full investigation and issued misconduct notices to the two officers. However, after reviewing the case, they found no evidence of misconduct or failure in duty.
“We examined the officers’ actions, decision-making, and risk assessments. Both were served with misconduct notices which were reviewed as enquiries progressed. At the end, no disciplinary case was found,” said an IOPC spokesperson.
Jury Inquest Scheduled, Reveals Troubling Past
A jury inquest into Tamzin’s death is set for January 2027. Recently, it emerged at a pre-inquest hearing that Tamzin, who was autistic, had attempted to escape from moving police vehicles three times in the year before her death.
The IOPC expressed sympathy for Tamzin’s family and friends, saying their thoughts remain with them now the investigation has closed.
