Eleven officers from the Metropolitan Police Service are under investigation by the police watchdog over how they handled the initial inquiry into a crash in Wimbledon, United Kingdom, that killed two schoolgirls three years ago, according to the BBC.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed that four serving officers and one former detective constable are being investigated for possible gross misconduct.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both aged eight, died in July 2023 after a Land Rover driven by Claire Freemantle crashed into an end-of-term tea party held on the lawn of The Study Preparatory School.
Freemantle was not charged after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded she had suffered an undiagnosed epileptic seizure.
However, the families of the victims have consistently argued that the investigation into the incident was flawed.
In a statement to the BBC, the families said they were “encouraged” by the opening of the IOPC investigation.
“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 said its inquiry, which began in August 2025, would examine allegations that Met officers gave “false and misleading information” to those affected, and whether their treatment of the families was influenced by race.
It will also review the overall standard of the original investigation, including its management, direction, conduct, and how officers engaged with victims.
Those under investigation for potential gross misconduct include officers of various ranks: commander, detective chief inspector, detective sergeant, and detective constable.
Two additional detective constables are being investigated for misconduct.
Commander Charmain Brenyah, head of 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 reopened its investigation in October 2024 after an internal review identified several further 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 released in 2024, she expressed her “deepest sorrow” but said she had “no recollection of what took place.”
The CPS confirmed it received a full file of evidence on 17 March and later obtained further legal advice, stating that additional factors still needed to be considered before a charging decision could be made.
Speaking from their Wimbledon home surrounded by photos of their daughter, Nuria’s parents said they hoped the IOPC investigation would finally clarify how the Metropolitan Police had “failed” them.
Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, said she was “emotional and angry” and wanted answers about why such a serious incident did not receive what she described as 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 undergoing her fifth surgery on her legs after also being injured in the crash, said she was frustrated by the prolonged wait for clarity.
“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.”
The families also said they continue to struggle with 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.”
Following media inquiries, prosecutors later contacted the family to arrange a meeting, hours after the BBC sought a response. The family had already requested such a meeting over the weekend.
Last month marked what would have been the girls’ 11th birthdays, a deeply painful milestone for their families.
“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.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said in its own statement, “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.”
