Kamal Ghorui
Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over their handling of a 2023 car crash in Wimbledon that killed two eight-year-old schoolgirls.The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the probe will examine allegations of gross misconduct, including concerns about the quality, direction and supervision of the initial investigation, as well as officers’ engagement with victims and their families.
Two young lives lost in school tragedy
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, died when a car crashed into an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in July 2023.More than a dozen others were injured in the incident, which sent shockwaves through the community.
Driver not charged, case reopened later
The vehicle, driven by Claire Freemantle, ploughed into the school grounds during the gathering. She was not charged after prosecutors said she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure at the wheel.However, the Metropolitan Police reopened the case in 2024 after an internal review and rearrested her in 2025. A fresh file has since been submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which is yet to take a final call on charges.
Allegations of misleading information, racial bias
The watchdog said it is also examining claims that officers provided false or misleading information to those affected, and whether the treatment of the victims’ families was influenced by their race.Those under investigation include a former detective inspector and several serving officers, ranging from a commander to detective constables.
Families say probe is a step towards truth
The families of the victims, who have long questioned the initial investigation, said they were “encouraged” by the inquiry.“We have always sought the truth… The truth must come to light,” they said, adding that the tragedy had “irreparably shattered” their lives.Speaking publicly, the families said they continue to face unanswered questions about the incident and the investigation. They also raised concerns about how they were treated during the process.The CPS said it is still reviewing the evidence and acknowledged the distress caused by delays, while the Met said it will fully cooperate with the ongoing probe.
