M5 crash: Girl, 17, killed after being hit by automobile – as police shut the main motorway to research

A 17-year-old girl has been killed after being hit by a car on the M5 motorway between Bridgwater and Taunton in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police have this morning closed the motorway as they investigate following the tragedy which happened at about 11pm last night.

The force said in a statement today that the teenager’s next of kin had been informed and were being supported by a specially trained officer, adding: ‘Our thoughts are with them.

They added: ‘No one else was injured in the collision. The M5 is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries are carried out.

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

The 17-year-old woman died after being struck between junctions 24 and 25 of the M5

The motorway was closed in both directions between junctions 24 and 25 as the probe continued. 

Police urged any witnesses or people with dashcam footage which could help to call 101 and give the call handler the reference of log number 1170 of 11 November.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow…