Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash
Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash
Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are under review by the police oversight body for their handling of the initial investigation into a 2023 crash that killed two schoolgirls in Wimbledon. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry into possible gross misconduct involving four current officers and one former detective constable.
Tragic Incident Details
In July 2023, a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck a gathering of schoolchildren during an end-of-term tea party on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School, resulting in the deaths of 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 girls’ families have consistently argued that the investigation was incomplete or biased.
Families’ Statement of Support
“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.”
Scope of the Inquiry
The IOPC investigation, initiated in August 2025, will examine “allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected” and whether the officers’ treatment of victims was influenced by racial factors. It will also assess the investigation’s management, team conduct, and engagement with the families of the deceased.
Officers Under Scrutiny
The ranks of the officers being investigated include a commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant, and detective constable. Additionally, two detective constables are also under review for potential misconduct. 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 families, as well as everyone impacted by this tragedy. It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised.”
Reopened Investigation by Met
The Metropolitan Police announced in October 2024 that it was restarting its investigation following an internal review. 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 statement in 2024, she expressed “deepest sorrow” but claimed to have “no recollection of what took place.”
CPS Evidence Review
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed receiving a full file of evidence from the Met Police on 17 March and obtained additional legal guidance recently. However, further considerations are needed before a final decision on charges can be made.
Parents’ Emotional Appeals
“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, who is now preparing for her fifth surgery after being injured in the same crash, emphasized her frustration with the delayed resolution. “It’s been left hanging for three years and that isn’t right,” she added. Her husband, Sajjad Butt, echoed her concerns: “We are deeply concerned—the CPS has left us in the dark. As the organization meant to serve justice for victims, it seems unwilling to engage with us.”
Prosecutors contacted the family shortly after the BBC requested their response, but the parents remain dissatisfied with the lack of answers provided by the legal system. They continue to demand transparency and accountability.
