'Shots heard' before headteacher and family found dead on private school grounds
Gunshots were heard before the body of a headteacher was found alongside her husband and seven-year-old daughter, it has been reported.
The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George, 39, were all found early Sunday morning on the grounds of Epsom College.
Police are carrying out an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths but stressed they believe this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.
The family's next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.
Officers said the tragedy will have sent shockwaves through the local community, and even though no third party was involved, they confirmed police would remain in the local area in the coming days.
Headteacher, husband and daughter, 7, found dead on grounds of school
Emma in a photo shared on Twitter (Twitter)
Headteacher Emma Pattison was found dead early Sunday morning (John Wildgoose Copyright 2017)A source told The Daily Telegraph that a member of staff called emergency services after hearing gunshots.
It is understood the family home is surrounded by other houses occupied by teachers and staff.
It was also reported that the property is next to the school’s indoor rifle range, but that it has no live ammunition in it.
The three deaths have been reported to the Coroner.
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.
Epsom College in Surrey on Monday morning (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.”
Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community.
"While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days, our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers, and the local community.
"I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.”
Epsom College release 'heartbreaking' statement as head and family found dead
The Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College expressed "disbelief" and "utter shock" at the tragic news.
Police guard the entrance to Epsom College in Surrey (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
"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.
A forensics officer enters a residential property at Epsom College (Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)"There is currently a significant police presence at the location, and the surrounding area, and we would like to thank the local community for their understanding while our officers continue their investigation."
In a statement, the school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, said: "It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George.
"Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time."
The school added: "The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation. We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth and support required from the Epsom College community."
The college concluded the statement by saying: "We ask that the public and the media respect the privacy of Emma's family, and help us to prioritise the needs of our pupils.
"The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process these shocking events. No further statement will be issued at this time."
Mrs Pattison became Epsom's first female head in September 2022 after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London.
Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.
Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.
Mrs Pattison's husband George was a chartered accountant who was the director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.
In December, she told pupils she had bought a Labrador named Bella to live with them within the school grounds.
Emma told the school's podcast: “In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house - we’ve bought a dog.
“I’ve got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn’t meant to happen but it did and my daughter has started a new school so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family.”
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