Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash

Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash

The Metropolitan Police is under examination by the independent oversight body for its initial response to 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 the actions of 11 officers, including four currently serving and one former detective constable, over potential gross misconduct. The incident occurred during a school event in July 2023, when a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle collided with a gathering on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School, killing Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight.

Freemantle was not charged with causing death by dangerous driving, as the Crown Prosecution Service cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure as the cause. However, the families of the victims have consistently argued that the original investigation was inadequate. In a statement, they expressed hope that the IOPC’s review would bring clarity to the events and the police’s subsequent actions. “We have always sought the truth,” the families said, “and will continue to fight for full understanding of that tragic day and how the Met responded.”

The IOPC’s investigation began in August 2025, focusing on allegations that officers provided misleading information and whether their treatment of victims was influenced by racial bias. It will also assess the investigation’s management, the conduct of the team, and their engagement with the families. Among the officers being scrutinized are a commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant, and detective constable, with two additional detective constables under review.

Speaking on behalf of the Met, Commander Charmain Brenyah acknowledged the families’ pain, stating that the prolonged process had worsened their grief. “We understand the impact of this tragedy,” she said, “and we are committed to supporting the IOPC’s efforts to examine our initial response.” The police had previously reopened their inquiry in October 2024 after an internal review uncovered new lines of investigation. Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 and interviewed again in July 2025.

“I hope the IOPC will cover that,” said Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, who is now facing her fifth surgery following injuries sustained in the same incident. “I really want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly and unfairly.”

Chohan criticized the Crown Prosecution Service for its lack of transparency, claiming the system had failed them. “We are not protected,” she added. “We have been left out in the cold.”

Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt, echoed similar concerns, stating, “The CPS has left us in the dark. As the organization meant to serve victims, it seems unwilling to engage with them.” The families were contacted by prosecutors shortly after the BBC sought their input, but they remain frustrated by the delay in reaching a conclusion. The CPS confirmed it received all evidence from the Met on March 17 and received further legal guidance recently, though more factors need to be evaluated before a final decision is made.