The inquiry has been prompted by the victims’ families, who have been critical of how the investigation has been carried out
Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are being investigated over their handling of the initial probe into a crash at a Wimbledon primary school which killed two eight-year-old pupils. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died at The Study Prep in July 2023 while celebrating the last day of the summer term.
A watchdog inquiry has now been prompted by the girls’ families, who have been critical of how the investigation has been carried out. In June 2024, the Met said the driver of the 4×4 that ploughed into the school had suffered an epileptic seizure and would face no criminal charges.
Claire Freemantle was rearrested and released on bail pending further enquiries last year. A complaint was filed in July 2025, leading to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards to make a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Four serving officers and one former officer have been served with notices informing them that their conduct is being investigated at the level of gross misconduct.
These officers are a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, a detective constable, and a former detective inspector. A further two detective constables are under investigation for misconduct.
IOPC director Amanda Rowe said: “The complaints relate to concerns about the standard of the investigation, including its management and direction, the conduct of the investigation team, and their engagement with the victims.
“We are also investigating 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.”
All officers involved in the investigation will be interviewed in due course. This may be, but not necessarily, followed by misconduct proceedings. The families told the BBC in a statement they are “encouraged” the IOPC has opened an inquiry.
They said: “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. The truth must come to light.”
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