A woman has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a tragic incident at a Wimbledon prep school that claimed the lives of two eight-year-old girls. Claire Freemantle, 46, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has now been formally charged after a re-investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
The Fatal Incident
On July 6, 2023, a Land Rover Defender veered off the road and smashed through a fence into the Study Prep School in Wimbledon, south London. The crash occurred during an end-of-year tea party, with children and staff present. Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, were killed. Nine other children and three adults sustained serious injuries.
Initial Investigation and Controversy
Freemantle was arrested at the scene but initially faced no charges. In June 2024, prosecutors decided not to bring criminal proceedings after Freemantle claimed she had suffered an epileptic seizure at the wheel for the first time, rendering her unconscious. However, concerns about the investigation emerged, leading to a serious case review that uncovered significant flaws by police officers, including mishandling of medical evidence.
The Metropolitan Police announced in October 2024 that it was reopening the investigation following an internal review that identified missed lines of inquiry. Freemantle was re-arrested and questioned in custody about the circumstances of the crash.
Driver's Statement
In a previous statement in 2024, Freemantle expressed her 'deepest sorrow' but said she had 'no recollection of what took place.' She stated: 'Since I became aware of the terrible event that took place on 6 July, the devastating consequences for all those affected have not left my thoughts and will be with me for the rest of my life. I have since been diagnosed as having suffered an epileptic seizure with loss of consciousness. This was not a pre-existing condition. As a result of losing consciousness, I have no recollection of what took place.'
Police Misconduct Investigation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating four serving officers and one former detective constable for possible gross misconduct over the earlier botched investigation. Key issues include the diagnosis of epilepsy, which is notoriously difficult to detect without brain scans shortly after a seizure and a detailed medical history review. The review highlighted missed opportunities by the Road Traffic Collisions Unit, including failure to interview key witnesses such as the head teacher who comforted Nuria as she lay injured.
The bereaved families and other survivors have stated: '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.'
The IOPC is examining 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.'
