'Child deaths need priority in crash probes'

Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died when a Land Rover ploughed into their school playground

The families of two girls killed when a car crashed through a fence at their school have called for quicker investigations into crashes where children have died.

Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died after a Land Rover crashed into an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon on 6 July 2023.

Nuria’s parents and Selena’s father met London mayor Sadiq Khan on Wednesday with their solicitor Trevor Sterling.

BBC News understands from City Hall the mayor will ask the Metropolitan Police to consider prioritising traffic death investigations involving children.

In April, the Met confirmed there were delays in the Wimbledon crash investigation was due to a lack of specialist investigators.

Just over two months later, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) determined the driver of the Land Rover would not face charges.

Investigators determined that Claire Freemantle had suffered an epileptic seizure behind the wheel and lost control of the vehicle.

Trevor Sterling met Sadiq Khan with the Sajjad and Lau families

Mr Sterling said the delay in the investigation had a "significant impact" on the Sajjad and Nau families, as well as others injured in the crash.

"What we have are parents in particular that saw their children or others fatally or seriously injured - witnessing that would have been traumatic," he said.

The solicitor said they needed answers from a prompt investigation and reassurances that similar situations they experienced would be avoided in the future.

Mr Sterling cited the recent court proceedings brought against those involved in violent unrest across England as an example of an "expedited process".

"[This] supports the notion that one size does not always fit all, and that there is a need sometimes for prioritization and the road traffic collision sense we believe there should be a prioritisation for children," he added.

The families met the mayor at City Hall on Wednesday

A spokesperson for the Mr Khan said: "The mayor is heartbroken by the tragic deaths of Nuria and Selena. Their deaths shocked us all.

"The mayor and deputy mayor for policing and crime have met both families and it is right that the Met have committed to addressing their questions and concerns by carrying out a review of the investigation."

A source within City Hall told BBC News there will be "further conversations" between the mayor's office and senior Met officers around prioritising traffic deaths involving children.