Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash

Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash

The Metropolitan Police is facing scrutiny from the police watchdog as eleven officers are under investigation for their role in the early stages of a crash in Wimbledon that claimed the lives of two young girls three years ago. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that four current officers and one former detective constable are being examined for potential gross misconduct. The incident occurred during an end-of-term tea party on the school grounds in July 2023, when a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck the gathering, resulting in the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight years old.

Freemantle was not charged initially, as the Crown Prosecution Service concluded she had experienced an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. However, the families of the victims have consistently argued that the investigation was inadequate. In a recent statement, they expressed hope that the IOPC’s inquiry would deliver the clarity they have long sought. “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,” they said, emphasizing the need for transparency.

“The truth must come to light.”

The IOPC launched its investigation in August 2025, aiming to assess whether Met officers provided misleading information to those affected and if their treatment of victims was influenced by racial factors. The inquiry will also evaluate the investigation’s management, direction, team conduct, and communication with the families. Among the officers under review are a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, and a detective constable, with two additional detective constables also being investigated.

Cdr Charmain Brenyah, who oversees the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, acknowledged the families’ ongoing pain. “Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena’s families, as well as everyone impacted by this tragedy,” she stated. “We understand the prolonged process has deepened 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.”

In October 2024, the Met announced it was reopening the case following an internal review that 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. During a previous statement in 2024, she conveyed her “deepest sorrow” but admitted, “no recollection of what took place.” The CPS confirmed it received a full file of evidence from the Met on 17 March and obtained further legal advice recently, though additional factors remain to be considered before a charging decision is finalized.

Nuria’s parents, speaking from their Wimbledon home amid photographs of their daughter, voiced concerns about the Met’s handling of the case. “We hope the IOPC will shed light on how the Met had failed us,” said Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan. She described her emotions as “emotional and angry,” questioning why the incident hadn’t warranted a “competent and thorough investigation.” Chohan, who is now undergoing her fifth leg surgery after being injured in the crash, emphasized the need for fairness. “I really want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly, unfairly and in an inhumane way,” she said. “I would like the keepers of law, of the system, to come and tell me.”

Chohan also highlighted the delay, stating, “It’s been left hanging for three years and that isn’t right.” Her husband, Sajjad Butt, echoed similar sentiments, claiming, “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.” He added, “The system is broken – the system is supposed to protect victims and we are not protected. We have been left out in the cold.”