What's happened
An inquest has opened into the death of 17-year-old Tamzin Hall, who was killed after fleeing a police vehicle on the M5 motorway in Somerset on November 11. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, including police procedures and her mental health history.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the BBC, the IOPC is in the early stages of its investigation, focusing on the circumstances surrounding Tamzin's arrest and subsequent death. David Ford, the IOPC regional director, expressed condolences to Tamzin's family and emphasized the importance of understanding the events leading to her tragic death. The Guardian reported that both officers involved have been served with misconduct notices, indicating potential breaches of duty. This highlights the serious nature of the investigation and the community's demand for accountability. The Independent noted that Tamzin's mother described her daughter as a kind and intelligent young girl, further emphasizing the personal tragedy behind the incident. The inquest will explore not only the events of that night but also Tamzin's mental health history, which could provide crucial context to the circumstances of her death.
How we got here
Tamzin Hall was arrested following a disturbance and was being transported to custody when the police vehicle stopped for safety reasons. She exited the vehicle and was subsequently struck by a car on the motorway, leading to her death.
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Bridgwater is a large historic market town and civil parish in Somerset, England. Its population currently stands at around 35,886 as of 2011. Bridgwater is at the edge of the Somerset Levels, in level and well-wooded country.
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The Independent Office for Police Conduct is a non-departmental public body in England and Wales which, since 8 January 2018, is responsible for overseeing the system for handling complaints made against police forces in England and Wales.