Tamzin Hall: Two police officers served with misconduct notices over death of girl with autism on M5 in Somerset

Tamzin Hall, 17, from Wellington, was hit by a passing car on the motorway between junction 25 at Tauton and 24 at Bridgwater shortly after 11pm on November 11 and fatal injuries.

In an inquest that was opened and adjourned earlier this week, it was heard that she had been under arrest at the time following a disturbance and was travelling in the police vehicle which had stopped on the motorway.

According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Tamzin was handcuffed to the front and placed in the back of a marked police Toyota Corolla. A police officer was sitting beside her in the vehicle.

Around 11pm the police car pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway of the M5, between junctions 25 and 24, for safety reasons. At that point, Tamzin was able to exit the stationary vehicle. Moments later, she was struck by a passing car travelling in the opposite direction on the southbound carriageway. Despite the efforts of paramedics, Tamzin tragically died at the scene.

The IOPC has since served both officers with misconduct notices, which formally notify them that their conduct is under investigation for a potential breach of professional standards. However, these notices do not imply guilt or automatically lead to disciplinary proceedings. The investigation remains ongoing, with further updates expected as the enquiry progresses.

David Ford, Regional Director of the IOPC, expressed his condolences, saying: “My thoughts and sympathies remain with Tamzin’s family and friends, and everyone affected by the tragic events of that evening.”

Ford added that the IOPC has met with Tamzin’s family to offer condolences and provide an overview of how the investigation will unfold. “We will provide them with regular updates as our enquiries continue,” he said.

The IOPC’s investigation is focussed on the officers’ actions and decision-making leading up to Tamzin's death. Investigators are reviewing body-worn camera footage, CCTV, and witness accounts to understand the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the events that followed.

Specifically, the investigation will look at whether the officers’ decisions and risk assessments complied with relevant training, policies, and procedures.

Speaking after the inquest earlier this week, Tamzin’s mother, Amy Hall paid tribute to her “very special” daughter, who she said had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

She said: “Tamzin was the kindest, caring, loving, loyal girl ever. She was the most honest person I’ve ever known; she was very special to me. She had a great sense of humour, and we had many laughs together.

“She was my shadow from the moment she opened her eyes in the morning until she went to sleep at night. She was such an intelligent young girl and had such interesting perceptions on things in life.”

She continued: “Tamzin was such a wonderful daughter. She was a beautiful person. My life will never be the same but I’m using my strength for my other children, Tamzin’s siblings.

“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.”