A husband who was found dead alongside his headteacher wife and their daughter, seven, on Sunday had a shotgun licence that he was in contact with police about last week.
George Pattison, was found with wife Emma Pattison and their daughter Lettie early on Sunday morning at their home in the grounds of Epsom College school.
The Times has reported that Mrs Pattison, 45, had contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings, and when they arrived at the house they found all three members of the family dead.
Surrey Police have confirmed that officers have launched a homicide investigation.
The force said a firearm licensed to Mr Pattison, 39, was recovered from the scene but cause of death would not be confirmed until post-mortems have been completed later this week.
Surrey Police said it had contact with Mr Pattison last Thursday after he notified officers of a change in address. The force has subsequently made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
The force added the firing range at the school did not form part of the crime scene and was not a line of inquiry in the investigation.
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.
A flag is flown at half-mast at the school
“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.”
Mrs Pattison became Epsom’s first female head in September 2022 after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London.
On Monday Mrs Pattison’s former colleagues paid tribute to their “dear friend”.
Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), of which Croydon High School is part, said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.
“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.”
