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An inquiry has been initiated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the actions of eleven Metropolitan Police officers linked to the investigation of a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of two schoolgirls in Wimbledon. The incident occurred in July 2023, leaving families seeking justice and answers as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
Fatal Accident and Initial Response
On a sunlit day in July 2023, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, lost their lives when a Land Rover, driven by Claire Freemantle, collided with their end-of-term tea party on the grounds of The Study Preparatory School. Despite the severity of the incident, Freemantle was not charged, as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) concluded she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure at the time of the accident. However, the families of the deceased have consistently raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation, alleging that it was mishandled from the outset.
In a statement, the families expressed their gratitude that the IOPC has commenced an investigation, highlighting their ongoing quest for transparency regarding the tragic events of that day and the subsequent police response. “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 asserted. “The truth must come to light.”
Allegations Against Police Conduct
The IOPC’s investigation, which began in August 2025, aims to scrutinise claims that Metropolitan Police officers provided misleading information to the victims’ families and assess whether race may have influenced their treatment. The inquiry will also evaluate the overall quality of the investigation, including its management, direction, and the conduct of the investigative team.
Among those under scrutiny are four serving officers, including ranks such as commander and detective chief inspector, alongside a former detective constable. In addition, two other detective constables are being investigated at a misconduct level. The seriousness of these allegations speaks to the significant concerns surrounding the police’s handling of the case.
Ongoing Pain and Frustration for Families
Cdr Charmain Brenyah, who oversees the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, acknowledged the heartache caused to the families, stating, “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.” The commander also noted the importance of an independent review of the initial police response to the incident.
The Metropolitan Police’s decision to reopen its investigation in October 2024 came after an internal review 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 in July 2025. In a previous statement, Freemantle expressed her “deepest sorrow,” though she maintained that she had no recollection of the events surrounding the crash.
The families of the victims have voiced their frustrations over the ongoing lack of clarity from prosecutors. In a poignant moment, Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, expressed her anguish and desire for a thorough investigation, stating, “I really want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly, unfairly and in an inhumane way.” Her husband, Sajjad Butt, echoed these sentiments, lamenting, “We are deeply concerned – the CPS has left us in the dark.”
Families Seek Justice and Closure
As the investigation unfolds, the families continue to grapple with the emotional toll of their loss. Recently, they marked what would have been the girls’ 11th birthdays, a painful reminder of their absence. “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 shared, articulating the profound grief and frustration they endure.
Their calls for justice are not merely about accountability; they seek a system that protects victims and provides them with the answers they deserve. As they await developments from the IOPC and the CPS, the families remain resolute in their pursuit of truth, determined to ensure that their daughters’ memories are honoured through meaningful action.
Why it Matters
The ongoing inquiry into the police’s handling of this tragic incident underscores a broader issue within the justice system, particularly regarding how vulnerable victims and their families are treated. As communities demand accountability and transparency, the outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for public trust in law enforcement and the mechanisms designed to protect citizens. The families of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau exemplify the relentless pursuit of justice, serving as a poignant reminder of the need for systemic change in the aftermath of tragedy.
