Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash
Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash
The Metropolitan Police is under scrutiny as 11 officers are being investigated by the police watchdog for their handling of a 2023 crash that claimed the lives of two young girls. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is examining four current officers and a retired detective constable for potential gross misconduct.
The Tragic Crash
In July 2023, a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck a gathering of students at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon, resulting in the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight years old. Although Freemantle was not charged, the Crown Prosecution Service cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure as the reason. However, the girls’ families have consistently argued that the initial investigation was flawed.
Families Push for Transparency
“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,” the families stated in a BBC interview.
The families expressed encouragement that the IOPC had launched an inquiry, emphasizing their desire for accountability. Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, described her emotions as “emotional and angry,” questioning why the incident hadn’t received a “competent and thorough investigation.” She also criticized the treatment of her family, stating, “I want the keepers of law, of the system, to come and tell me.”
Investigation Scope and Officers Involved
The IOPC’s inquiry, initiated in August 2025, will assess whether Metropolitan Police officers provided false or misleading information to those affected. It will also examine if the officers’ actions were influenced by racial bias. The ranks of the investigated officers include commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant, and detective constable, with two detective constables also under review.
Metropolitan Police’s Response
Cdr Charmain Brenyah, head of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, acknowledged the families’ grief, saying, “Our thoughts remain with Nuria and Selena’s families, as well as everyone impacted by this tragedy. We understand this prolonged process has compounded their suffering. It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised, and we will provide every assistance to the IOPC.”
Reopened Investigation and Legal Steps
The Metropolitan Police reopened its probe in October 2024 after an internal review highlighted 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. In a 2024 statement, she expressed “deepest sorrow” but claimed “no recollection of what took place.”
CPS Review and Family Concerns
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it received a full file of evidence from the Met Police on 17 March and obtained additional legal advice last week. However, further factors remain to be evaluated before a charge decision is finalized. Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt, stated, “We are deeply concerned—the CPS has left us in the dark. As the organization that is supposed to move towards justice for victims, it seems rather unwilling to engage with them.”
The families still feel they face a lack of answers from prosecutors, with Chohan noting, “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.” Prosecutors contacted the family a few hours after the BBC sought their response. The families had, at the weekend, requested…
