Epsom College headteacher ‘was spoken to by police in 2016 for hitting her husband’
The Epsom College headteacher who was murdered by her husband along with their seven-year-old daughter had been spoken to by police for allegedly hitting him in 2016, it has emerged.
The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, seven-year-old daughter Lettie and husband and father George were found inside the grounds of Epsom College on Sunday (February 5).
Police believe that George had shot his wife – who was the headteacher of the college – and daughter before turning the gun on himself.
READ MORE: Police insist Nicola Bulley diving expert ‘isn’t privy to their entire investigation’
It has now emerged that Mrs Pattison was spoken to by police over a domestic row, but no further action was taken.
When news broke of the horrific incident over the weekend, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss.
(Image: PA)
“I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night, and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
According to a now-removed page from the college’s website, she was officially appointed the establishment’s 14th head in January, 2022, although her Linkedin states she started in September of the same year.
She had previously spent six years as head teacher of Croydon High School and was deputy head of St John’s School in Leatherhead for four years before that.
(Image: Surrey Live/BPM Media)
Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, said everyone was “shocked” by the news.
He said: “Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
“Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.
“In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family. But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
The college will remain closed until the end of February, when school holidays are over.
To get more stories from Daily Star delivered straight to your inbox sign up to one of our free newsletters here.
READ MORE: