Teen dies after getting out of ambulance on M5

A teenager who died after being hit by a car on the highway got out of an ambulance shortly before the crash, police said.

The 18-year-old man died on the M5 in North Somerset shortly after 23:00 GMT on Sunday.

Avon and Somerset Police said the ambulance stopped to provide treatment to the patient before exiting the vehicle. He later died at the scene after being hit by a car.

Assistant Chief Constable Joanne Hall said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family at such a devastating time. We will support them in any way we can.”

Police said a duty officer encountered the incident on the northbound carriageway between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon. They tried to take the patient to safety, but the teenager was then hit by a car on the southbound highway.

“This incident has had a significant impact on our officers and ambulance crews who are understandably incredibly distressed by what happened,” Ms Hall said.

“As well as providing support to the man’s family, we are also ensuring that appropriate welfare arrangements are in place for our staff, as well as any members of the public who were directly involved or witnessed the incident.”

Police said a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct by the professional standards department.

Jane Whatello, from the South West Ambulance Service, said: “We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the man involved in this incredibly sad incident.

“Our teams, as well as our police colleagues, are risking their own safety to help the patient and reduce the risk of harm to passing motorists, and I thank them for their efforts.

“Our thoughts are also with the driver of the vehicle involved in the collision.”