Who is Tamzin Hall? Teenager Who Died After Escaping Police Car on M5

Tamzin Hall, a 17-year-old girl from Wellington in Somerset, tragically died after escaping from a police car and running onto the M5 motorway near Taunton. She was struck by a vehicle shortly after 11:00 pm and sustained fatal injuries.

What Happened on the Night of Her Death

Police said Tamzin was handcuffed and seated in the back of a police car with an officer beside her. The vehicle had pulled over on the motorway for “safety reasons” while transporting her to custody in Bridgwater.

Despite being restrained, Tamzin managed to break free from her handcuffs and escape from the car. She fled across the motorway and was hit by a car on the opposite carriageway.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into how the incident happened. Two officers have been served misconduct notices for possible failures in duty.

Her Mother’s Grief and Criticism

Tamzin’s mother, Amy Hall, said her daughter was “failed” by the system. She believes Tamzin should have been transported in a secure police van instead of a car, considering her history of impulsive and high-risk behaviour.

“My question is, how did she manage to get out of the handcuffs and out of the car with two police officers?” she asked.

Amy described her daughter as beautiful, caring, and funny. She loved cooking, especially chocolate treats, and had a passion for birds.

A Troubled Journey Through Care

Tamzin’s father died of cancer when she was eight, an event that deeply affected her. In school, she struggled with anxiety and behavioural issues, which were often misunderstood as bad behaviour.

Her mother said that because Tamzin’s behaviour was overwhelming for her siblings, she was placed in a care home. Amy insists that Tamzin came from a loving home and that being taken away was “completely the wrong environment” for her.

“She missed home, she missed me. She used to say, ‘I know why I can’t be at home. My behaviour is scary sometimes for the other children,’” Amy said.

On the day she died, Tamzin’s mother sent repeated warnings to staff about her daughter’s behaviour but felt her concerns were ignored.

Investigation and Reactions

The IOPC is investigating the actions of Avon and Somerset Police and the agencies involved in Tamzin’s care.

Police issued a statement saying:
“It’s clear how loved she was and how much she is dearly missed. We are committed to being open and transparent about what happened.”

Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, and care provider Homes2Inspire said they are also supporting the investigation.

Remembering Tamzin

Tamzin’s mother said she will never get over the loss of her daughter. She often thinks about the milestones Tamzin will never reach, such as turning 21, getting married, or starting her own family.

“It’s the most awful thing. I keep going for my other children, but sometimes you just want to collapse in a heap and give up,” Amy said.

For those who knew her, Tamzin’s death is a painful reminder of a life cut tragically short.