The Metropolitan Police have reopened an investigation into the tragic Land Rover crash that claimed the lives of two eight-year-old schoolgirls at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon, south-west London. The decision follows a review that identified flaws in the original inquiry.
The review highlighted issues with the diagnosis of epilepsy, noting that it can be challenging to confirm without brain scans. It also criticised the Road Traffic Collisions Unit for missed opportunities, including a failure to interview key witnesses who may have provided crucial information about the driver’s behaviour immediately following the crash.
Nuria’s father, Saj Butt, expressed his relief at the decision to reopen the investigation. “No parent should ever have to go through the pain my wife, Smera, and I have experienced over the past 15 months,” he said. “The initial investigation seemed flawed and left so many unanswered questions. We welcome the news that a new investigation has been launched with a specialist and more experienced team. While we know nothing will bring Nuria back, we hope this new investigation will finally uncover what really happened.”
Selena Lau’s mother, Jessie Deng, also welcomed the decision, stating that the families had been left in “limbo” since the crash. “All we have ever wanted is a thorough and open investigation for Selena, Nuria, and the other families whose lives were turned upside down one summer afternoon,” she said. “I sincerely hope that this ongoing nightmare can come to an end soon.”
In addition to the deaths of the two young girls, nine children and three adults were seriously injured in the incident. Police officers were pictured at the scene last July, and flowers were laid by members of the community in tribute to the victims.
The Met Police have now appointed an accredited senior investigating officer with homicide investigation experience to lead the new inquiry. A Met spokesperson stated, “We believe this further investigative work will address all questions raised by the families affected.”
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the crash or its aftermath to come forward as the renewed investigation progresses.
