Watchdog investigates 11 police officers over handling of Wimbledon school crash

Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated by the police watchdog for their handling of the initial inquiry into a crash in Wimbledon that killed two schoolgirls three years ago, the BBC has been told.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said four serving officers and one former detective constable were being investigated for possible gross misconduct.

Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died after a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle crashed into an end-of-term tea party on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School in July 2023.

Freemantle was not charged as the Crown Prosecution Service said she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure - but the girls' families always maintained the investigation was flawed.

The BBC has been told that some witnesses weren't initially interviewed including the head teacher of the school, who comforted Nuria as she lay injured. She told the BBC a year after the crash that she was surprised the police hadn't interviewed her as a witness.

The bereaved families and other survivors have said they also feel the police were unable to answer numerous questions they raised, including about the medical evidence.

The families told the BBC in a statement that they were "encouraged" that the IOPC had opened an inquiry.

"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," they said.

"The truth must come to light."

The IOPC began its investigation in August 2025.

The watchdog said its inquiry would look at "allegations that Met officers provided false and misleading information to those affected and whether the officers' treatment of those affected was influenced by their race".

It would also cover the standard of the investigation, including its management and direction, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with the victims, it said.

The ranks of the four serving officers being investigated for gross misconduct are commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant and detective constable.

Two detective constables are also being investigated at misconduct level.

Cdr 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."

The Met announced in October 2024 that it was reopening its investigation into the crash, following an internal review that identified a number of lines of inquiry.

Fremantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was interviewed by police again in July 2025.

In a previous statement, in 2024, she expressed her "deepest sorrow" but said she had "no recollection of what took place".

The CPS has confirmed it received a full file of evidence from the Met Police on 17 March and received further legal advice last week, but that there were further factors to consider before a decision on a charge could be made.

Speaking from their home in Wimbledon surrounded by photos of their daughter, Nuria's parents told the BBC they hoped the IOPC investigation would shed light on how the Met had "failed" them.

Nuria's mother, Smera Chohan, said she was emotional and angry and wanted to know why such a terrible incident had not merited 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 after she was injured in the same incident on the school lawn, said she wanted to know when a decision would be made.

"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."

They still feel they face a lack of answers from prosecutors.

Sajjad Butt, Nuria's father, said: "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.

"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."

Prosecutors contacted the family to arrange a meeting a few hours after the BBC approached the CPS for a response. The families had, at the weekend, requested such a meeting. It will take place on Tuesday.

Last month, the families marked the girls' 11th birthdays - a hard moment as they see the girls' friends pass milestones.

"I felt horrific shame sitting with Nuria at her grave all day on 20 March, her 11th birthday, because I can't say to her or anyone why she's there," Butt said.

"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."

In its statement, the CPS said: "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."

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