Eleven Met Officers Face Misconduct Inquiry Over Fatal Schoolgirl Crash
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the conduct of eleven Metropolitan Police officers concerning their initial handling of the inquiry into a fatal crash in Wimbledon three years ago. The incident, which occurred in July 2023, saw a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle collide with an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School, resulting in the deaths of eight-year-olds Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau.
Gross Misconduct Allegations
Four serving officers and one former detective constable are being investigated for potential gross misconduct. Their ranks include a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, and a detective constable. Additionally, two detective constables face investigations at a misconduct level.
The IOPC's inquiry will scrutinise allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected and will examine whether officers' treatment of victims was influenced by their race. The standard of the investigation, its management, direction, and engagement with victims are also key aspects of the watchdog's review.
Families Demand Answers
The families of Nuria and Selena have expressed encouragement regarding the IOPC's 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."
Commander Charmain Brenyah, who leads the Met's Roads and Transport Policing Command, acknowledged the "prolonged process" has compounded the families' grief and suffering, adding that it is "right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised."
The Metropolitan Police reopened its investigation into the crash in October 2024, leading to Ms Freemantle's re-arrest in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has received a full file of evidence but requires further consideration before a decision on charges can be made, citing additional factors.
Nuria's parents, Smera Chohan and Sajjad Butt, voiced their frustration with the lack of progress and perceived lack of engagement from the CPS, stating, "The system is broken – the system is supposed to protect victims and we are not protected. We have been left out in the cold."
