Met Police reopen investigation into Wimbledon school crash that killed two eight-year-old girls
The investigation into a car crash that killed two eight-year-old girls at a school in Wimbledon has been reopened, the Metropolitan Police has said.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died after a Land Rover smashed through a fence and collided with a building at The Study Prep school in Camp Road, southwest London, which was hosting an end-of-term tea party on 6 July last year.
The force launched a review after “concerns” were raised by their families after it was announced the driver of the 4×4, Claire Freemantle, had suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel and would not face criminal charges.
The families had said they remained “unconvinced” the investigation was conducted thoroughly.
The aftermath of the crash
The Met said in a statement: “The review has identified a number of lines of enquiry that require further examination and, as such, the investigation will now be reopened.
“The families have been updated with this development and we will continue to meet with them to provide updates on the investigation as it progresses.
“We know this has been and remains a really difficult time for them. We believe this further investigative work will address all questions raised by the families affected.
“This further investigation will be undertaken by an accredited senior investigating officer and team with experience in homicide investigations.”
In a statement in June, Ms Freemantle expressed her “deepest sorrow” and said she had “no recollection of what took place” after losing consciousness.
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The girls’ families said Nuria and Selena “deserved better” after it was announced she would not face charges.
“We remain unconvinced that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have reached a decision based on all the facts. Justice has neither been done, nor has been seen to be done today,” they said.
They welcomed the announcement of the new investigation and Selena’s mother, Jessie Deng, told the Daily Mail: “I sincerely hope that this ongoing nightmare for all of the families and Selena’s schoolmates can come to an end soon.”
Nuria’s father, Saj Butt, told the newspaper: “No parent should ever have to go through the pain my wife, Smera, and I have experienced over the past 15 months.”
He added: “While we know nothing will bring Nuria back, we hope this new investigation will finally uncover what really happened on 6 July 2023, and at last allow us, and the hundreds of others affected by what happened, to begin some sort of healing process.”
Crystal Palace are celebrating a historic win in the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley.
It’s the south London club’s first major trophy – and third time lucky after losing two previous finals they have played in. The win also means Palace have qualified for next season’s Europa League.
Eberechi Eze put his side 1-0 up with the game’s only goal in the 16th minute.
Man City were given a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson – who had earlier escaped a red card for a handball outside the box – saved Omar Marmoush’s spot kick.
Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze scores. Pic: PA
Man City’s Omar Marmoush after his penalty was saved. Pic: PA
It briefly seemed the south London team had gone 2-0 up after a 58th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz but the goal was quickly ruled offside.
They then held onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, which came after an agonising 10 minutes of injury time.
Dean Henderson dodged a red card and saved a penalty. Pic: PA
Oliver Glasner’s team were the underdogs despite Manchester City having had a difficult season in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola’s side also lost to their neighbours and rivals Manchester United in last year’s cup final.
‘It’s all about spirit’
Palace goalscorer Eze said he had “no words” as he celebrated with his team mates.
Eze celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: PA
“I can only thank God,” he told ITV. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?
“We’ve made history today. The tactics were good but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”
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