The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently examining complaints against 11 police officers regarding their management of an investigation into a tragic road incident that resulted in the deaths of two schoolgirls.
This inquiry involves a serving commander and a detective inspector among the officers facing scrutiny for alleged severe misconduct. The fatalities of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau occurred during a tea party at Study prep school in Wimbledon, located in south-west London, in July 2023, marking the conclusion of the summer term.
As part of this investigation, the IOPC is looking into claims suggesting that the race of the victims’ families may have affected the officers’ behavior and whether misleading information was provided to those involved.
The driver of the Land Rover, Claire Freemantle, was not charged following the crash, as the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) determined that she had experienced an undiagnosed epileptic seizure at the time. Freemantle has stated that she has no memory of the incident.
In October of the previous year, she was re-arrested as the Metropolitan Police announced they would reopen their investigation into the incident.
The families of the deceased girls, who have expressed doubts about the thoroughness of the initial investigation, have welcomed the IOPC’s inquiry.
Amanda Rowe, the IOPC’s director, confirmed that the investigation into the 11 officers commenced in August 2022 following a referral from the Metropolitan Police regarding complaints made by individuals impacted by the incident. Rowe stated, “The complaints pertain to concerns regarding the quality of the investigation, its management, and the conduct of the investigation team, including their interaction with the victims.”
Additionally, the investigation is considering whether officers provided false and misleading information and if their treatment of victims was affected by racial factors.
Among those under investigation are four active officers: a commander, a detective chief inspector, a detective sergeant, and a detective constable, along with a former detective inspector. Two serving detective constables are also being scrutinized for alleged misconduct.
All individuals involved in the inquiry have received notifications and are expected to be interviewed. Rowe noted that the issuance of these notices does not guarantee that formal proceedings will follow.
In a statement, the families of Nuria and Selena expressed their anguish: “On July 6, 2023, our lives were irreparably shattered by a cruel tragedy. The past 33 months have been incredibly difficult for everyone affected, and we are still grappling with the aftermath of that day.”
They further asserted their belief that the initial investigation was inadequate and expressed their support for the IOPC inquiry, stating, “We have always sought the truth, and we will continue to advocate for complete clarity regarding the events of that tragic day and the subsequent actions of the Metropolitan Police.”
Nuria’s mother, Smera Chohan, shared her desire for an explanation regarding how she and her family have been treated, adding, “I want the law enforcement officials to come forward and answer my questions.” Chohan, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, emphasized that she is not seeking special treatment but simply demands a fair process.
Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt, expressed his deep concern, stating, “The CPS has left us in the dark. As an organization expected to pursue justice for victims, they seem reluctant to engage with us.”
