08 February 2023 , 09:21
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The headteacher of Epsom College reportedly made a frantic call to her sister before she and her daughter were killed in an alleged murder-suicide.
Emma Pattison and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie died in the early hours of Sunday morning at their home on the school's grounds. It's been claimed that husband George, 39, shot and killed them before turning the gun on himself.
Moments before the unspeakable tragedy, Emma, 45, is reported to have phoned her sister Deborah Kirk.
Surrey Police confirmed they were called by Emma's husband in the days before the shootings, and has subsequently referred itself to police watchdog IOPC as a matter of protocol.
The home Emma Pattison shared with her family on Epsom College's grounds (Jonathan Buckmaster)Emma and her family moved into their home on Epsom's school grounds back in September when she became the college's first female headteacher.
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It's now understood that Emma's sister rushed to the scene after the distress call, Mail Online reports..
Neighbours at the couple's former home in nearby Caterham, Surrey, told reporters Emma's car had not been seen since then, although George's BMW, however, had been seen parked on the drive in the run-up to Christmas, suggesting he moved out later.
One neighbour said: "Emma was really nice and charming. She would talk over the fence. George was much quieter, much more introverted."
The new owners of their former home moved in three weeks before the shooting, with a removal van seen picking up their last pieces of furniture shortly beforehand.
Police outside Epsom College in Surrey where the bodies of headmistress Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George, 39, were found (PA)In a since-deleted student podcast, Ms Pattison spoke of how recent months in her new role had seen big changes for her family.
"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.”
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."
Emma and George Pattison at a school function
Picture believed to be one of the last of Emma Pattison (Twitter)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.
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“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.”
In a statement, the school 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 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."