An investigation has been initiated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the actions of 11 Metropolitan Police officers regarding their handling of a tragic incident in Wimbledon that resulted in the deaths of two young schoolgirls almost three years ago. The inquiry will scrutinise the officers’ conduct during the initial investigation into the fatal crash that occurred in July 2023.
Tragic Incident Claims Young Lives
The incident in question involved a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle, which collided with a group of children during an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School. Eight-year-olds Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau tragically lost their lives in this horrific event. Although Freemantle was not charged, as the Crown Prosecution Service determined she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure, the families of the victims have consistently expressed their belief that the investigation was mishandled.
Nuria Sajjad’s parents have been vocal about their frustrations, stating, “We are battling a cruel system.” Their call for transparency has been echoed by Selena Lau’s family, who also seek answers regarding the police’s investigation methods.
IOPC Investigation Focus
The IOPC began its inquiry in August 2025, prompted by allegations that Metropolitan Police officers provided false and misleading information to the victims’ families. The investigation will delve into the standard of the initial inquiry, including how it was managed, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with those affected, particularly in relation to whether race played a role in their treatment.
The officers under scrutiny include four serving members of various ranks, such as commander and detective chief inspector, who are being investigated for possible gross misconduct. Additionally, two detective constables are also facing misconduct allegations.
Responses from Authorities
Commander Charmain Brenyah, who oversees the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, expressed condolences to both families, acknowledging that the prolonged nature of the investigation has compounded their grief. “It is right that our initial handling of this incident be independently scrutinised,” she stated, assuring that the Metropolitan Police would fully cooperate with the IOPC’s work.
The Met Police announced in October 2024 that they were reopening their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, having identified multiple lines of inquiry that warranted further exploration. Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was subsequently interviewed again in July 2025.
Families Demand Accountability
Speaking from their home, Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, expressed her anguish and confusion over the investigation’s perceived inadequacies. She lamented the lack of thoroughness in the initial inquiry, stating, “I want to understand why I have been treated so cruelly, unfairly and in an inhumane way.” Facing her fifth surgery after sustaining injuries during the incident, she urgently seeks clarity and accountability from the authorities.
Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the lack of communication from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). “We are deeply concerned – the CPS has left us in the dark,” he remarked, emphasising the families’ struggle to obtain justice in what they view as a broken system.
The CPS has indicated that they are still evaluating the evidence collected during the reinvestigation, with a commitment to providing a final decision as soon as possible.
Why it Matters
The ongoing investigation into the Metropolitan Police’s handling of this tragic incident underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. As the families of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau continue to seek justice and clarity, their plight amplifies broader concerns about how victims and their families are treated in the aftermath of such devastating events. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications not only for the families involved but also for public trust in the policing system. It serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for thorough and impartial investigations in the pursuit of justice.
