Eleven Met Officers probed by police watchdog over investigation into Wimbledon automotive crash that killed two schoolgirls
Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are being probed over their handling of an investigation into a Wimbledon car crash which killed two schoolgirls.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died when a Land Rover Defender smashed through a fence into their south-west London primary school in July 2023.
Claire Freemantle, the 48-year-old driver of the vehicle, never faced a charge from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) because she suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure – and had no recollection of the crash.
But four serving police officers and one former detective constable are now under probe for possible gross misconduct over their handling of an investigation into the crash.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said its inquiry will examine allegations that officers ‘provided false and misleading information to those affected’.
The body is also investigating whether ‘officers’ treatment of those affected was influenced by their race’.
The ranks of the four serving officers under investigation are commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant and detective constable. Two detectives are also being investigated at misconduct level.
Nuria and Selena had been enjoying an end-of-the-year tea party at their Study Prep school when the Land Rover veered off-road on July 6, 2023.
Ms Freemantle, who expressed her ‘deepest sorrow’, was arrested on the day of the incident but prosecutors later decided not to bring criminal charges.
Selena Lau, eight, was one of two little girls killed in the crash at Wimbledon Prep School in July 2023
Nuria Sajjad, eight, also died from her injuries after the car crashed through a fence at the school
However the Met reopened its investigation into the crash in October 2024 following an internal review, with Ms Freemantle re-arrested in January of this year.
She is currently out on bail and, according to a police statement upon her re-arrest, will report to a police station later this month.
The CPS confirmed it has received a full file of evidence from the Met and sought legal advice this week, though further factors need to be considered before a charge can be brought.
The Met said it supports an independent investigation into the fatal collision.
In an interview with the BBC, Nuria Sajjad’s parents – Smera Chohan and Sajjad Butt – said the Met had ‘failed them’.
Ms Chohan, Nuria’s mother, said: ‘I hope the IOPC will cover that. 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. 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’.
Ms Chohan is facing a fifth surgery on her legs after suffering injuries in the same crash which killed her daughter.
Mr Butt, Nuria’s father, said he and his family have ‘not been protected’ and ‘left out in the cold’ by the police force.
Earlier this year, the parents of the two young girls released a joint statement welcoming news that Ms Freemantle had been arrested again.
It read: ‘We welcomed the reopening of the investigation in October 2024 by the Metropolitan Police into the death of our beautiful girls and the harm caused to those injured and who witnessed the tragedy on that sunny July day.
‘It is important that this investigation runs its course unhindered and that each step taken is done so in the pursuit of truth and the full facts.
‘As the investigation continues, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.’
Specialist officers are pictured at the scene of the incident, which took place during an end-of -year party
A statement from the Crown Prosecution Service read: ‘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.’
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it is fully in support of the investigation.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, who leads the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: ‘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.’
