Eleven officers from the Metropolitan Police are currently under investigation by the police oversight body regarding their management of the initial inquiry into a tragic incident in Wimbledon that resulted in the deaths of two schoolgirls three years ago.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that four active officers and one former detective constable are being scrutinized for potential gross misconduct.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, lost their lives when a Land Rover, driven by Claire Freemantle, collided with a gathering at The Study Preparatory School in July 2023.
Freemantle was not charged with any offense, as the Crown Prosecution Service determined that she had experienced an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. However, the families of the deceased have consistently argued that the investigation was inadequate.
The families expressed their relief at the IOPC’s decision to launch an inquiry, stating, „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 truth must come to light.“
The IOPC initiated its investigation in August 2025, focusing on allegations that Metropolitan Police officers may have provided false or misleading information to those affected by the incident. Additionally, the inquiry will examine whether the treatment of those involved was influenced by their race.
Furthermore, the investigation will assess the overall quality of the inquiry, including its management, the conduct of the investigative team, and their interactions with the victims.
Details of the Investigation
The ranks of the officers under investigation for gross misconduct include a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, and a detective constable. Additionally, two detective constables are being investigated at a misconduct level.
Cdr Charmain Brenyah, who oversees the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, stated, „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 scrutinized, and we will provide every assistance to the IOPC as their investigation continues.“
In October 2024, the Metropolitan Police announced the reopening of their investigation into the crash, following an internal review that identified several new lines of inquiry. Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was interviewed again by police in July 2025.
In a previous statement from 2024, Freemantle expressed her „deepest sorrow“ but stated that she had „no recollection of what took place.“ The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that it received a comprehensive file of evidence from the Metropolitan Police on March 17 and received additional legal advice the following week. However, they indicated that further factors must be considered before a decision on charges could be made.
Family Reactions and Concerns
Speaking from their home in Wimbledon, Nuria’s parents expressed hope that the IOPC investigation would provide clarity on how the Metropolitan Police had „failed“ them. Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, conveyed her emotional turmoil and frustration, questioning why such a devastating incident had not warranted a „competent and thorough investigation.“
„I hope the IOPC will cover that,“ she said. „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.“
Chohan, who is now facing her fifth surgery on her legs due to injuries sustained in the same incident, expressed her desire for a timely decision. „I am not asking for any favoritism, 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.“
The families continue to feel a lack of communication from prosecutors. Sajjad Butt, Nuria’s father, 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 victims. The last time we were treated unfairly, we know that now, and we’re concerned that that’s going to happen again. The system is broken – the system is supposed to protect victims and we are not protected. We have been left out in the cold.“
Following the BBC’s inquiry, prosecutors reached out to the family to arrange a meeting, which they had requested over the weekend.
Marking a Difficult Anniversary
Last month, the families commemorated the girls‘ 11th birthdays, a particularly challenging time as they witness the girls‘ friends reaching significant milestones. „I felt horrific shame sitting with Nuria at her grave all day on March 20, her 11th birthday, because I can’t say to her or anyone why she’s there,“ Butt shared. „I do not know right now why my daughter died. There is no answer here. As a parent, I feel the deepest, deepest level of shame that I cannot stand by her and say I’ve done right by her. We are trying so hard, but we are battling a system with immense challenges and we will keep battling.“
The Crown Prosecution Service, in its statement, acknowledged the distress caused by delays, stating, „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 April 7, 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.“
