Eleven Metropolitan Police officers are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over allegations of racism in their handling of a road crash that killed two eight-year-old girls in Wimbledon in July 2023. The families of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau have insisted that “the truth must come to light” after the watchdog announced its probe.
The IOPC said it was investigating allegations that officers provided “false and misleading information” to the families following complaints about the standard of the investigation. Four serving officers, including a commander and a detective chief inspector, are being investigated for gross misconduct, while two detective constables face a misconduct-level probe. A former detective inspector is also under investigation for gross misconduct.
The Met Police stated in June 2024 that the driver, Claire Freemantle, would face no criminal charges after suffering an epileptic seizure. She was rearrested and released on bail pending further investigation in January 2025. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it needs to consider “some further factors” before making a charging decision, with a decision expected by the end of April.
The families said in a statement: “We have always maintained that the initial investigation was flawed. We are encouraged that the IOPC have opened an inquiry. 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.”
IOPC director Amanda Rowe confirmed the investigation covers concerns about the investigation’s management, conduct, and engagement with victims, as well as whether race influenced officers’ treatment of those affected. The Met submitted a full evidence file to the CPS on March 17 after reopening the investigation in October 2024.
