Teacher's husband 'reported wife for hitting him' before family 'murder-suicide'
The husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison told police she had 'hit him' years ago before withdrawing the complaint, The Mirror understands.
Emma, 45, and her seven-year-old daughter Lettie were killed at their home on the school's grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning after George Pattison is thought to have shot them before turning the gun on himself.
The unspeakable tragedy has led to an outpouring of grief and prompted the College to close until after next week's half term.
Surrey Police have said the couple were "not known" to them, meaning there was no official history of violence.
However, sources say Mr Pattison, 39, had once reported Emma, claiming she had struck him six years ago - though his allegation resulted in no action.
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The Times reports the couple were spoken to at the time before George withdrew the report, saying it was trivial.
The historic allegations have not been confirmed by police.
Emma and George Pattison at a school function
(Twitter)Mr Pattison, a chartered accountant, had a gun licence which was renewed last year and was spoken to on routine by Surrey Police on Thursday following his recent change of address.
The force has confirmed the visit and has subsequently referred itself to independent watchdog IOPC as a matter of protocol, due to the short time between their contact and the deaths.
UK law requires licenced firearms holders to notify the Home Office when they change addresses, while police visit holders to make sure weapons are being correctly stored.
The home Emma Pattison shared with her family on Epsom College's grounds (Jonathan Buckmaster)Emma and daughter Lettie moved to the home on Epsom College's grounds in September as the headteacher took up her new role, becoming the prestigious school's first ever female head.
According to neighbours at the couple's former home in nearby Caterham, Mr Pattison was seen staying on at the old house and is thought to have only joined his family in Epsom in recent weeks.
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.
“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.”
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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)Emma, who had previously told a student podcast she was "loving" her time so far in her new role, reportedly made a distressed phone call to her sister shortly before she and Lettie were killed.
Ambulances were called to the scene after a neighbour reported hearing gunshots at the house, with all three tragically confirmed dead.
Tributes have been paid to Emma and Lettie, with the youngster described by a nursery worker as "perfect in every way".
Emma, who was previously head at Croydon High School, was described by staff there as a "much loved and respected" colleague.
Cheryl Giovannoni, from the school, said: "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."
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