Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash
Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash
The Metropolitan Police is under scrutiny by the police watchdog for its handling of the initial probe into a crash in Wimbledon that claimed the lives of two young girls three years ago. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry into 11 officers, with four currently serving and one former detective constable facing potential gross misconduct charges.
Tragic incident and initial response
In July 2023, a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck a group of children during an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School, killing Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight years old. Freemantle was not charged, as the Crown Prosecution Service cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. However, the families have long argued the investigation was inadequate.
“We have always sought the truth, and will continue to champion the pursuit of complete clarity on the events of that devastating day and subsequent actions taken by the Metropolitan Police,” said the families in a statement. “The truth must come to light.”
The IOPC’s inquiry began in August 2025, focusing on “allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected” and whether their treatment of victims was influenced by racial factors. The investigation will also assess the overall conduct, management, and communication of the team during the case.
Officers under investigation
The ranks of the four serving officers under review include a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, and a detective constable. Additionally, two detective constables are being examined for misconduct. Cdr Charmain Brenyah, who oversees the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, stated: “Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena’s families, as well as everyone impacted by this tragedy. We understand the prolonged process has compounded their grief and suffering.”
“It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised, and we will provide every assistance to the IOPC as their investigation continues,” Brenyah added.
The Met Police reopened its investigation in October 2024 after an internal review revealed 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. During a previous meeting in 2024, she expressed her “deepest sorrow” but claimed she had “no recollection of what took place.”
Families’ concerns and calls for justice
The CPS confirmed it received a complete evidence file from the Met on 17 March and obtained further legal guidance last week. However, additional factors remain under consideration before a charge decision is finalized. Nuria’s parents, who are now preparing for their fifth leg surgery following injuries sustained in the crash, emphasized their frustration.
“I hope the IOPC will cover that,” said Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan. “I really want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly, unfairly, and in an inhumane way. I would like the keepers of law, of the system, to come and tell me.”
Chohan also questioned the timing of the decision, stating: “I am not asking for any favouritism, any leeway or any sympathy. I’m just saying ‘do it right’. It’s been left hanging for three years and that isn’t right.” Her husband, Sajjad Butt, echoed these sentiments, saying: “We are deeply concerned – the CPS has left us in the dark. As the organisation that is supposed to move towards justice for victims, it seems rather unwilling to engage with victims.”
The families noted that they had requested a meeting with prosecutors shortly after the BBC sought their input, but they still feel unanswered questions linger. They believe the system is broken and that victims are not adequately protected. “The system is supposed to protect victims and we are not protected. We have been left out in the cold,” Butt concluded.
