Misconduct inquiry over fatal schoolgirl crash
Misconduct Inquiry into Fatal Schoolgirl Crash
The BBC has learned that 11 Metropolitan Police officers are under scrutiny by the police watchdog for their handling of the initial inquiry into a collision in Wimbledon that claimed the lives of two schoolgirls three years ago. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining four current officers and one former detective constable for potential gross misconduct.
Tragic Incident and Initial Response
On July 2023, a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle struck a gathering of children at The Study Preparatory School, resulting in the deaths of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight years old. Freemantle was not charged, as the Crown Prosecution Service cited an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. However, the girls’ families have consistently argued the investigation was insufficient.
“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,” stated the families in a statement to the BBC.
The IOPC launched its inquiry in August 2025, focusing on allegations that Met officers gave false or misleading information to those affected and whether their treatment of victims was influenced by racial bias. The watchdog also plans to evaluate the investigation’s management, direction, and the conduct of the team, including their engagement with the families.
Met Police Reopen Investigation
In October 2024, the Met Police announced it was restarting its probe into the crash, following an internal review that uncovered 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. During a previous statement in 2024, she expressed “deepest sorrow” but claimed “no recollection of what took place.”
Families’ Persistent Concerns
Nuria’s parents, still coping with injuries sustained in the same incident, shared their frustration with the BBC. Smera Chohan, Nuria’s mother, described her emotions as “emotional and angry,” emphasizing her desire for a “competent and thorough investigation.” She questioned why the tragedy had not prompted a fair process, stating, “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.”
“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,” said Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt.
Chohan, who now faces her fifth surgery on her legs, reiterated the family’s belief that the system is “broken” and that victims are “not protected.” They mentioned being “left out in the cold” after previous unfair treatment. Prosecutors reached out to the family shortly after the BBC requested their response.
Standards and Further Steps
The IOPC will assess the investigation’s standards, including its management, the conduct of the team, and how they interacted with the victims. The Met’s decision to reopen the case highlights ongoing concerns about the initial response, as the inquiry continues to unfold.
