Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash

Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash

The Metropolitan Police is examining 11 officers, including four currently serving and one former detective constable, for potential gross misconduct in their handling of a 2023 crash that claimed the lives of two eight-year-old girls. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated the inquiry, which will scrutinize the initial response to the incident. The crash occurred during a summer tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon, where a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck the gathering, killing Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau.

Freemantle was not charged by the Crown Prosecution Service, as they cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure as the cause. However, the families of the victims have consistently argued that the investigation was flawed. The IOPC’s probe, launched in August 2025, will assess whether officers gave false or misleading accounts to those affected and if their treatment of victims was influenced by racial bias. It will also evaluate the investigation’s management, team conduct, and communication with the families.

The Met announced in October 2024 that it was restarting its investigation after an internal review highlighted new lines of inquiry. This followed Freemantle’s re-arrest in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She was interviewed again in July 2025, during which she expressed deep sorrow but stated she had no memory of the events. The CPS confirmed it received the full evidence file from the Met on March 17 and further legal advice recently, though additional factors remain before a decision on charges can be made.

“We have always sought the truth, and will continue to champion complete clarity on that devastating day and subsequent actions taken by the Metropolitan Police,” said the families in a statement. “The truth must come to light.”

Cdr Charmain Brenyah, leading 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,” she said. “We understand the prolonged process has added to their grief and suffering. It is right that our initial handling of the incident be independently reviewed, and we will support the IOPC as their investigation progresses.”

Nuria’s parents, who have been living with the aftermath of the crash, described their frustration. “I hope the IOPC will cover how the Met failed us,” said Smera Chohan, who has endured five leg surgeries since the incident. “I want the keepers of law to come and explain.” Chohan emphasized the need for fairness, stating, “I am not asking for any favoritism… I’m just saying ‘do it right.’” Her husband, Sajjad Butt, added, “The CPS has left us in the dark. As the organization meant to deliver justice, it seems reluctant to engage with victims.” They believe the system is broken and that the victims are not being adequately protected.

The families remain hopeful that the IOPC will uncover the full story, though they continue to feel the lack of answers from prosecutors. “The last time we were treated unfairly, we know now, and we’re concerned that this could happen again,” said Butt. “We have been left out in the cold.” Prosecutors contacted the family shortly after the BBC requested a response, but the families felt the process was still incomplete.