Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash

Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash

The Metropolitan Police is facing scrutiny from the police oversight body as eleven officers are under investigation for their handling of the initial probe into a tragic crash in Wimbledon that claimed the lives of two young girls three years prior. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has revealed that four serving officers and one former detective constable are being examined for potential gross misconduct.

In July 2023, a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck a gathering of schoolchildren at The Study Preparatory School, resulting in the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight. Freemantle was not charged due to an undiagnosed epileptic seizure, as stated by the Crown Prosecution Service. However, the girls’ families have consistently argued that the investigation was insufficient and biased.

“We are encouraged that the IOPC has launched its inquiry. We have always sought the truth and will continue to push for full clarity on the events of that dreadful day and the actions of the Metropolitan Police afterward,” said the families in a statement. “The truth must come to light.”

The IOPC’s probe, which began in August 2025, aims to assess allegations that Met officers may have provided false or misleading information to those affected. It will also examine whether the officers’ treatment of victims was influenced by racial factors. The watchdog highlighted the investigation’s focus on the process, including management, team conduct, and communication with the families.

Cdr Charmain Brenyah, head of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, expressed solidarity with the families. “Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena’s loved ones, as well as everyone impacted by this tragedy. We understand the lengthy process has added to their pain,” she said. “It is appropriate that our initial response to this incident be reviewed independently, and we will support the IOPC’s efforts fully.”

The Met had previously reopened its investigation in October 2024 after an internal review uncovered new lines of inquiry. Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was interviewed again in July 2025. In 2024, she had expressed “deepest sorrow” but claimed to have “no recollection” of the incident.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed receiving the complete evidence file from the Met in March 2025 and obtained additional legal guidance recently, though further considerations remain before a decision on charges is made. Nuria’s parents, now living in Wimbledon with photographs of their daughter surrounding their home, emphasized their hope that the IOPC would reveal how the Met had “failed” them.

“I am emotional and angry, and I want to know why this terrible event wasn’t investigated properly,” said Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan. “I hope the IOPC will address that. I need to understand why I was treated so cruelly, unfairly, and inhumanely. I want the lawkeepers to explain themselves.”

Chohan, who has undergone her fifth surgery on her legs following injuries from the crash, stressed the urgency for a decisive outcome. “I am not asking for favoritism or sympathy. I just want it done right. Three years have passed, and that isn’t fair,” she added. Her husband, Sajjad Butt, echoed concerns: “We are deeply worried—the CPS has kept us in the dark. As an organization meant to pursue justice, it seems reluctant to engage with victims. We know we were treated unfairly before, and we fear it will happen again. The system is broken, and we are not being protected.”