Driver of Fatal School Crash Arrested Again After Families Raise Concerns

The driver of the four-by-four that crashed into a primary school in southwest London, killing eight-year-old schoolgirls Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, has been arrested for a second time. The Met Police reopened their investigation following concerns raised by the families of the victims.

The driver, 48-year-old Claire Freemantle, was initially arrested at the time of the crash on July 6, 2023, but was later told she would face no further action. However, an internal review launched last year identified lines of inquiry that required further examination, and the investigation was moved to the specialist crime command in October.

Freemantle had claimed she suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel and had no recollection of the incident. However, prosecutors found she had never had a seizure before and was in good health prior to the crash.

Following the arrest, Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford appealed to any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward. He said the main priority is to ensure the lines of inquiry identified by the review are progressed.

The parents of Selena and Nuria released a joint statement after the initial decision that no further action would be taken. They expressed their disappointment with the pace and depth of the investigation, stating that hundreds of people will never lead normal lives again.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 0207 175 0793 or 101 quoting CAD 6528/27Jan, or message the Met on X (Twitter) quoting the same reference. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.