Everything we know after Epsom College head and daughter, 7, 'killed by husband'
Police investigating the three deaths of a headteacher, husband and their young daughter have today confirmed they are treating the incident as a homicide.
George Pattison, 39, his wife Emma, 45, and seven-year-old Lettie were found dead at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.
Their deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.
While a gun was found at the scene, police said causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortem examinations are carried out later this week.
A statement from the force said: "We had contact with George on Thursday February 2 after he notified us of a previous change of address, as is routine.
Headteacher, husband and daughter, 7, found dead on grounds of school
An aerial view of the school, showing a police cordon outside a house (Jonathan Buckmaster)"Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
The tragedy has rocked the local community and school, where pupils gathered yesterday to pay respects to their "wonderful head" Mrs Pattison.
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."
As police launch a murder probe, here is everything we know about the tragedy so far.
Ms Pattison joined the £42,000-a-year Epsom College in September last year (PA)Headteacher made 'distressed call' hours before being found dead
Ms Pattison made a "distressed call" to a family member before being found dead, it is understood.
She made the call late on Saturday evening, according to the BBC.
The Times also reported that Mrs Pattison had contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings.
A neighbour, who is said to have heard gunshots, raised the alarm before all three members of the family were found dead at their home within the school grounds.
Husband legally owned gun discovered at the scene
Mr Pattison legally owned a gun that was discovered at the scene of the tragedy, police said.
Epsom College release 'heartbreaking' statement as head and family found dead
The force said in a statement: "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.
"We can confirm the firearm was licensed and registered to George Pattison."
Police at the scene following the three deaths (Jonathan Buckmaster)The firing range at the school did not form part of the crime scene and was not a line of inquiry in the investigation, added police.
Mr Pattison, who was a chartered accountant, had reportedly held a gun licence for a number of years and it was up for renewal early last year.
The Times said he had not been reported to Surrey Police before, but in 2016 had contacted them to allege that his wife had hit him, before withdrawing the claim.
Cops spoke to husband 3 days before 'murder-suicide'
Mr Pattison had been in contact with Surrey Police about his gun licence just days before the killings.
The dad was seeking to change his address on the licence after his family moved to the school site from Caterham.
A statement from the force said: "We had contact with George on Thursday February 2 after he notified us of a previous change of address, as is routine.
"Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
The IOPC said it is assessing the information available to decide if any further action is necessary.
Headteacher had worked at prestigious school for six months
Ms Pattison was head at Croydon High School before she joined the £42,000-a-year Epsom College in September last year, becoming its first ever headmistress.
She previously told of how she got into teaching after flicking through a copy of the Times Educational Supplement at a coffee shop.
Mrs Pattison celebrating Epsom College becoming Independent School of the Year in 2022 (Twitter)
Mr and Mrs Pattison at a school functionAt the time she was on the graduate programme for Thomas Cook, a job she said she "absolutely hated".
The head said she "hadn't looked back" since entering into teaching and told the student-presented podcast "working with you people keeps you young, they keep you energised".
"I am absolutely loving my time here so far," Mrs Pattison added. "It's been very busy but absolutely wonderful. The college have been so supportive and everyone has been very, very welcoming."
The school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, released a statement yesterday evening expressing their condolences and asking for privacy.
Head's daughter was a 'lovely little girl' who was 'perfect in every way'
A nursery worker who used to look after seven-year-old Lettie said she was "perfect in every way".
Chloe Rathbone, 27, 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."
Mrs Pattison and daughter Lettie in 2020 (@EmmaLPattison1/Twitter)A neighbour also paid tribute to the young girl, telling The Telegraph: "You used to hear her playing in the garden, she was always asking them questions and just seemed like a happy, inquisitive little girl."
Another resident said: "She was just a typical, well brought-up, lovely little girl. It’s just tragic."
Headteacher had revealed 'big change' in last podcast
Ms Pattison had told pupils about a "big change" with her family two months before she was tragically found dead.
In December, the head said she had bought a Labrador named Bella to live with them within the school grounds.
She 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.”
A flag is flown at half-mast at Epsom College (PA)In the podcast episode, which has since been deleted, she also spoke about her approach to life, saying she was a lifelong learner, reported MailOnline.
"If you're a reader and a modern linguist who likes going and talking to people and exploring different versions of life I think that fits in with someone who always wants to grow, learn, explore and, I suppose, live life to the fullest," she said.
Community left shocked as police heighten presence in area
Neighbours within the local community have been left in shock following the three deaths.
One local who lives opposite the school said: "It's extremely sad what's happened. I don't know them as we don't have anything to do with the school really but it is awful news."
Another said: "Well we are shocked. That's it really. It's such shocking and sad news. It's all really quite horrible."
Police said there will be a heightened police presence in the area over the coming days.
Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “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."
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