07 February 2023 , 12:07
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A nursery worker has paid tribute to a seven-year-old girl found dead alongside her parents in an alleged double murder-suicide on the grounds of a school at the weekend.
The bodies of Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George, 39, were all found at their home within Epsom College's grounds in Surrey on Sunday morning.
The father is believed to have killed his wife and daughter, before taking his own life, according to reports.
A neighbour, who is said to have heard gunshots, raised the alarm. Just hours earlier, a distressed Mrs Pattison was believed to have made a phone call to family members.
Police had earlier said the three deaths were an isolated incident and there was no third-party involvement.
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The bodies of Emma, Lettie and George were found in the grounds of the school on Sunday morning (PA)Yesterday, nursery worker Chloe Rathbone, who previously took care of Lettie, said she was "utterly heartbroken" over the young child's death.
The 27-year-old told The Times: "I knew Emma, George and Lettie and I am utterly heartbroken over this news."
She added: "Lettie was perfect in every way."
Emma's former colleagues had also paid tribute to their "dear friend", saying they are "immensely shocked and saddened" by the news of her death.
Speaking on behalf of Ms Pattison's former workplace Croydon High School, Cheryl Giovannoni said: "We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.
Emma's former colleagues paid tribute to their "dear friend" (PA)"Our thoughts are with their family at this time, as well as everyone at Croydon High School, and Epsom College, which Emma joined as head in September 2022.
"Emma was a much loved and respected member of the GDST community, as well as a talented head and teacher and a dear friend to many of us.
"She touched the lives of all of us with her energy, wisdom and kindness during her six years as head of Croydon High School and the school will always bear the legacy of her inspiring leadership.
"We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days."
It is understood the family's home is surrounded by other houses occupied by teachers and staff.
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And those who live nearby said they were struggling to make sense of what happened.
Aerial view of the school, showing a police cordon outside a house (STAFF)Juel Ahmed, 54, said: “It’s very shocking, very distressing for the community and the school. I’m sure their families are going through shocking times."
Spiro Fernando, 49, former Head Boy at local Kingsford House School, added: “I was shocked. I have lived in Epsom all my life - this kind of thing is not what you expect to hear in Epsom. It’s a London news story.
“I had a lot of friends who went to Epsom College so it’s really intertwined with my memories.”
A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, added: "When I heard about the story it was really terrifying. What happened to them is really awful."
And another, who works for an education company not linked to Epsom College, added: “There is a lot of speculation as to what it was. There is shock, sadness, disbelief.
Police outside Epsom College in Surrey yesterday (PA)“A friend of a friend’s daughter was at school with Lettie. They’re shocked. They’ve got to explain to the children what happened and they don’t know how to explain it.”
Local MP Chris Grayling called the deaths "an appalling tragedy", adding: "I know everyone locally will be shocked about what has happened."
A spokesman for South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that paramedics attended the home but would give no further information.
Epsom College said on Twitter that staff and pupils would pay their respects to their "wonderful head" Mrs Pattison.
The school said: "The shocking and tragic news has now reached many about the death of our head, Emma Pattison.
"The College community will be coming together today to process the news, grieve and pay our respects to a wonderful head.
A flag flies at half mast at Epsom College (Getty Images)"We will be in close contact with Surrey Police over the coming weeks and months.
"We hope everyone will respect the privacy of Emma's family at this time and allow the College's pupils, staff and wider community the time and space necessary to come to terms with this loss."
Police said that the three deaths have been reported to the coroner.
Surrey police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend said there will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days to provide reassurance.
She added: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of the awful incident at Epsom College at the weekend and I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those who lost their lives.
"These events will no doubt have a profound and lasting impact on both the staff and students at the college and the wider local community. My heart goes out to all those affected by this terrible and tragic incident."