Police Watchdog Probes Race Bias in Girls' Deaths

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is conducting a significant investigation into 11 Metropolitan Police officers. These officers are being scrutinized for alleged gross misconduct related to their handling of the inquiry into a fatal road crash. This incident occurred in July 2023, resulting in the tragic deaths of two schoolgirls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, outside a Wimbledon prep school.

Central to the IOPC's examination are allegations that racial bias may have influenced the officers' conduct towards the victims' families. Furthermore, the watchdog is investigating claims that officers provided false and misleading information. The families of Nuria and Selena have welcomed this inquiry, having previously expressed doubts about the thoroughness of the initial police investigation into the crash.

The driver of the vehicle involved, Claire Freemantle, was not initially charged due to an epileptic seizure. She was re-arrested in October of the previous year when the Met reopened its inquiry. The IOPC confirmed that all investigated officers have been notified and will be interviewed, though serving notices does not guarantee future proceedings. The families continue to seek complete clarity on the events and subsequent police actions.