Investigation into Police Handling of Fatal Crash
Eleven officers from the Metropolitan Police are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding their management of the initial inquiry into a crash in Wimbledon that resulted in the deaths of two schoolgirls three years ago, the BBC has reported.
The IOPC confirmed that four serving officers and one former detective constable face possible gross misconduct allegations.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, died when a Land Rover, driven by Claire Freemantle, crashed into an end-of-term tea party held on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School in July 2023.
Freemantle was not initially charged after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) determined she had experienced an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. However, the families of the girls have consistently maintained that the investigation was flawed.
Families Seek Truth and Transparency
The families expressed to the BBC that they were "encouraged" by the IOPC's decision to open an inquiry.
"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.
"The truth must come to light."
The IOPC initiated its investigation in August 2025.
The watchdog stated that its inquiry would examine "allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected and whether the officers' treatment of those affected was influenced by their race."
Additionally, the investigation will assess the quality of the original inquiry, including its management and direction, the conduct of the investigative team, and their engagement with the victims.
Details of Officers Under Investigation
The four serving officers being investigated for gross misconduct hold the ranks of commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant, and detective constable.
Two detective constables are also being investigated at the misconduct level.
Metropolitan Police Response
Commander Charmain Brenyah, head of the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, commented:
"Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena's families, as well as everyone who has been impacted by this terrible tragedy.
We understand this 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."
In October 2024, the Metropolitan Police announced the reopening of their investigation into the crash following an internal review that uncovered several new lines of inquiry.
Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was interviewed again by police in July 2025.
In a 2024 statement, Freemantle expressed her "deepest sorrow" but said she had "no recollection of what took place."
The CPS confirmed receipt of a full evidence file from the Met Police on 17 March 2026 and noted that further legal advice was obtained last week. However, additional factors remain under consideration before a charging decision can be made.
Families Speak Out
From their home in Wimbledon, surrounded by photographs of their daughter, Nuria's parents told the BBC they hope the IOPC investigation will clarify how the Metropolitan Police "failed" them.
Nuria's mother, Smera Chohan, described her feelings as emotional and angry, expressing a desire to understand why such a tragic event did not receive a "competent and thorough investigation."
"I hope the IOPC will cover that," she said.
"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 preparing for her fifth leg surgery due to injuries sustained in the same incident on the school lawn, also expressed frustration over the delay in decision-making.
"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."
The families continue to feel a lack of communication from prosecutors.
Sajjad Butt, Nuria's father, stated:
"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 last time we were treated unfairly, we know that now, and we're concerned that that's going to happen again.
The system is broken - the system is supposed to protect victims and we are not protected. We have been left out in the cold."
Prosecutors contacted the family to arrange a meeting shortly after the BBC requested a response. The families had requested such a meeting over the weekend.
Marking the Girls' Birthdays
Last month, the families commemorated the girls' 11th birthdays, a difficult occasion as they observed their friends reaching milestones without them.
Butt reflected on the day:
"I felt horrific shame sitting with Nuria at her grave all day on 20 March, her 11th birthday, because I can't say to her or anyone why she's there," he said.
"I do not know right now why my daughter died. There is no answer here. As a parent, I feel the deepest, deepest level of shame that I cannot stand by her and say I've done right by her.
We are trying so hard, but we are battling a system with immense challenges and we will keep battling."
CPS Statement
In a statement, the CPS said:
"After careful consideration of all the evidence and material provided by the police as part of this reinvestigation, and upon receipt of advice from counsel on 7 April, we have concluded that there are some further factors we must consider before a decision on charge can be reached.
We appreciate the ongoing distress any delay may cause and are committed to making a final decision as soon as possible.
Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena and all those impacted by this tragic incident."
