Teenager who died after being hit by car on M5 was 'being taken into police custody'

An IOPC spokesman said an investigation had been launched, adding that their "sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death".

The girl was being transported to custody in a police vehicle and exited the car shortly before the crash.

The IOPC spokesman said: "We have started an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 17-year-old girl who was struck by a vehicle on the M5 near Taunton last night.

"We were advised by Avon and Somerset Police that the girl was being transported to custody in a police vehicle and had got out of the vehicle shortly before the collision.

"We sent our investigators to the police post-incident procedure to begin gathering evidence. Our sympathies are with the girl’s loved ones and everyone affected by her death."

A mandatory referral has also been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior police contact.

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Her next of kin have been informed and they are being treated by a specially trained officer, police confirmed.

No one else was injured in the incident.

The fatal collision took place at 11pm last night, resulting in a full closure between junctions 24 (Bridgwater) and 25 (Taunton).

The site of the crash is near Creech Heathfield, close to Taunton.

Shortly after the crash, National Highways south-west said: "Traffic caught within the closure of the #M5 north between J25 (#Taunton) and J24 (#Bridgwater) is being turned around from the back of the queue. Correction to our previous update, south traffic is not being turned yet. But will in due course. Thanks for your patience."

Nationals Highways confirmed that the motorway reopened in both directions shortly after 11am on Tuesday, after being closed for 12 hours.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, with the log number 1170 of November 11.