Husband of Epsom College head Emma Pattison owned a firearm

The husband of the head of Epsom College owned a firearm found at the scene where the couple and their daughter were found dead, police have confirmed. 

George Pattison, 39, was a licensed gun holder, police said in a statement. Officers confirmed that they are treating the discovery of the bodies of Mr Pattison, his wife Emma Pattison, 45, and their seven-year-old daughter, Lettie as a murder investigation.

Mr Pattison contacted the police on Thursday to notify them of a previous change of address, which is routine, Surrey Police said. 

The police force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to the short time between the communication and the suspected murder.

Officers believe that Mr Pattison killed his wife and daughter and then himself, a source briefed on the matter told The Telegraph.

In a statement, Surrey Police said: “A firearm was found at the scene and has been recovered by officers, however, causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortems have been completed later this week.”

Officers said that the school’s rifle range close to the house where the bodies were found is not part of its inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer on the case, said: “This is an incredibly traumatic incident and we are working around the clock to investigate and understand the exact circumstances which led to this point.

“We understand the public concern and upset, and we will clarify what we can, when we can, while respecting the right to a level of privacy for the families of those who have lost their lives.

“We are cooperating fully with the IOPC in relation to the referral we have made, and we await the outcome of its assessment of what further action may be required. Until this has been completed, we will be unable to provide further details on a number of matters.”

Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “I know this incident has caused upset and sent shockwaves through the local community. Although we are confident that this incident was contained to one address, and there is no risk to the wider public I fully understand the concern this can and has caused members of our communities. Therefore, the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the local area in the coming days. If you are concerned about anything at all I’d urge you to approach an officer and discuss your concerns with them. They will be ready and happy to help you however they can.

“I would like to send my continued thanks to the school and our public for their understanding while the investigation progresses.”

Gunshots were heard before the bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were discovered in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Parents of pupils at the £42,000-a-year Surrey boarding school said they believe a firearm was deployed in the head’s house, prompting neighbouring staff to call the emergency services.

Now a source briefed by officers investigating the deaths told The Telegraph police believe Mr Pattison carried out a murder suicide, killing his family members before taking his own life.

Officers said on Sunday night that they do not believe there was any third party involvement in the Pattison family deaths.

Police appeared to have cordoned off the school’s indoor rifle range next to the property on Monday morning.

Epsom College has a history of rifle shooting dating back to Victorian times and boasts an eight-lane indoor firing range where guests can test out the facilities for £15. The school’s rifle range has no live ammunition in it, a source close to the school said.

Pupils are understood to have been crying and terrified at the prospect of returning to the school grounds that they are sharing with a significant police presence.

Mrs Pattison, who grew up on a farm in Lincolnshire and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and English literature, was a widely respected teacher and school leader.

Until last year she served as head of Croydon High School, an independent girls’ day school in south London.

A chapel service was held on Monday morning and additional counsellors were on site for anyone who needed extra support.

Staff told parents that discussions were ongoing about closing the school early this week for day pupils.

Tributes were made to Mrs Pattison and her family yesterday from independent schools across the country.

In a statement, the school said it was “immensely shocked and saddened by the news” of the family’s deaths.

“Emma was a hugely respected and much loved head of Croydon High. She was a warm, energetic, compassionate leader, dedicated teacher and generous, insightful colleague and friend.”

In an Epsom College podcast two months ago, Mrs Pattison told pupils how much she was enjoying her first few months at the college. “I am absolutely loving my time here so far,” she said shortly before Christmas.

“It has been very, very busy, but absolutely wonderful.” The only indication of any difficulty was that the move had put pressure on her family. “In terms of transition, it’s been a really big change for my family,” she said. 

“So we’ve obviously moved house, we’ve got a dog, I’ve got a new job, my husband’s got a new job, which wasn’t meant to happen but did, and my daughter has started at a new school. “So there’s been a lot of change for us as a family, but it’s been wonderful.”