An 18-year-old man, Logan Smith, died after being tasered by police on the M5 motorway before being struck by a car. The incident occurred on Sunday night near Weston-super-Mare, as Logan exited an ambulance parked on the hard shoulder.

According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), Logan left the ambulance just after 11pm and entered the live lanes of the motorway. Police were called to assist by ambulance staff, who were providing treatment to him. An officer arrived on the scene and attempted to engage with Logan to ensure his safety.

Body-worn video footage reviewed by the IOPC shows the officer discharging a Taser, which caused Logan to fall to the ground. Shortly after, he was hit by a southbound vehicle and tragically died at the scene.

The IOPC is now investigating the actions of Avon and Somerset Police leading up to Logan's death. Derrick Campbell, IOPC director, expressed condolences to Logan’s family and friends, stating, "We want to reassure everyone that we will independently investigate all the circumstances surrounding this incident, including the use of a Taser."

The IOPC has begun gathering evidence and has taken initial accounts from the police officer and ambulance staff involved. They met with Logan’s family to offer condolences and explain the investigation process, emphasising the importance of respecting the family's privacy during this difficult time.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the incident, stating that they were alerted by the ambulance service about a patient who had exited the vehicle while en route to the hospital. The police attempted to bring Logan to safety to protect both him and other road users. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Logan succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The investigation by the IOPC will continue as they seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.