Police Watchdog Probes 11 Met Officers Over Wimbledon Crash Inquiry That Killed Two Schoolgirls
Police watchdog probes 11 Met officers over Wimbledon crash inquiry that killed two schoolgirls A police watchdog has launched an investigation into 11 officers from the Metropolitan Police Service over their handling of the inquiry into a fatal car crash that killed two young schoolgirls in Wimbledon. The probe, announced by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), will examine allegations that officers may have provided misleading information to victims’ families and others affected following the tragedy.
The incident occurred in July 2023 when a car crashed into an end of-term tea party at The Study Prep School in southwest London.
The vehicle struck pupils, parents and staff gathered at the event, leaving several people injured. Two eight-year-old girls later died from their injuries, sparking nationwide shock and renewed scrutiny of police procedures surrounding major incidents. According to the watchdog, investigators will assess claims that some officers involved in the aftermath of the crash may have:
- Provided false or misleading information,
- Failed to properly communicate with bereaved families,
- Mishandled aspects of the investigation process.
The inquiry will focus on potential misconduct rather than criminal responsibility for the crash itself. The IOPC said the investigation aims to establish whether professional standards were breached and whether disciplinary action may be required.
Relatives of the victims have continued to demand transparency since the tragedy, raising concerns about how information was shared with them during the investigation. The watchdog emphasized that opening the inquiry does not automatically mean misconduct occurred but reflects the seriousness of the allegations raised. The Metropolitan Police said it is cooperating fully with the independent investigation and acknowledged the profound impact of the incident on families and the wider community.
The force added that it remains committed to learning lessons from the case and improving communication with victims and the public.
The investigation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of policing practices in London, with the Met facing repeated calls in recent years to strengthen accountability, transparency and public trust
