Three years after a Land Rover crashed into a school in Wimbledon, killing two eight-year-old girls, a new investigation has been launched into the police handling of the case, amid allegations of bias and a flawed initial inquiry. The Crown Prosecution Service is also revisiting its decision not to file criminal charges.
On a quiet, affluent street in Wimbledon Village, a stark contrast exists – a modest, aging Mini and a four-year-old Volkswagen van sit before a £4 million mansion, a far cry from the luxury vehicles typically parked there.
This change in circumstance belongs to Claire Freemantle, an investment banker's wife and mother-of-three, who previously drove a lavish Land Rover Defender valued at £160,000. However, her life dramatically altered on July 6th, when she lost control of the vehicle on a narrow road near Wimbledon Common. The Land Rover crashed through a school fence, careening across a lawn where a Year Three picnic was underway. The incident resulted in 'a bang, scraping metal and screams,' according to witnesses.
Emergency services responded with 15 ambulances and 35 police cars, treating 16 people and hospitalizing a dozen. Tragically, eight-year-old Selena Lau died at the scene, and Nuria Sajjad succumbed to her injuries three days later. Nearly three years later, the families of Selena and Nuria, along with other victims, are still seeking closure. Two lengthy investigations have concluded, and an inquest was opened but quickly adjourned.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially declined to press criminal charges against Ms. Freemantle in 2024, but is now re-evaluating its decision following a new dossier from detectives who re-investigated concerns about the original inquiry. A verdict is anticipated from the CPS by the end of the month, based on a legal opinion submitted in April.
The case has taken another turn with an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) into the actions of 11 Met Police officers involved in the original investigation. This probe will assess the inquiry's competency, the accuracy of information provided to grieving families, and allegations of racial bias in the handling of the case.
The IOPC investigation will specifically examine whether officers displayed 'unconscious bias' towards the victims' families, who are of Asian heritage, while potentially affording preferential treatment to Ms. Freemantle due to her wealth and social standing. Nuria Sajjad’s mother, Smera Chohan, has publicly criticized the Met Police for a lack of a 'competent and thorough investigation,' expressing her distress and demanding answers. The central question remains: how did Ms. Freemantle lose control of her SUV on a quiet 20mph street?
The location is not known for speeding or hazardous conditions, suggesting a significant lapse in driver control. Ms. Freemantle has tested negative for alcohol and drugs. The incident has sparked controversy and scrutiny, raising serious questions about the investigation, potential biases, and the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The case continues to unfold, promising further revelations and potentially significant consequences for all involved
Wimbledon School Crash IOPC Police Investigation Bias Crown Prosecution Service Claire Freemantle Selena Lau Nuria Sajjad
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