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Epsom College – latest: Headteacher shot dead by husband was ‘arrested after domestic row’

Epsom College – latest: Headteacher shot dead by husband was ‘arrested after domestic row’

Headteacher Emma Pattison was reportedly arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband, George Pattison.

Mrs Pattison, who police believe was shot by her partner, allegedly slapped Mr Pattison around the face, Sky News reported.

He phoned the police and they arrested Mrs Pattison on suspicion of common assault, but she was later released without charge.

Police suspect Mr Pattison killed his headteacher wife Emma and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie before taking his own life, The Independent understands, with a gun registered in his name found alongside their bodies at their home in the private school’s grounds.

The Times reported that Ms Pattison had contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the deaths.

Officers from Surrey Police said they were in contact with Mr Pattison three days before the deaths after he registered a change of address, as firearms owners are required to.

Neighbours at their recently sold property in Catherham said they had seen Mr Pattison staying there just before Christmas but had not seen his wife or daugher since the summer.

Key Points

  • Surrey Police investigating double-murder suicide

  • Neighbours reveal husband's movements in weeks leading up to deaths

  • Emma Pattison told relative of concern for husband hours before death

  • Husband contacted police over gun licence days before deaths

  • ‘Gunshots heard’ at school where headteacher and family found dead

  • Epsom College reacts after shocking deaths of school head and her family

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

09:55 , Emily Atkinson

Pupils and staff at a prestigious private school in Surrey have been rocked by the news that their headteacher had been found dead with her husband and young daughter.

Emma Pattison, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found alongside seven-year-old Lettie at the £42,000 per year Epsom College, Epsom, early on Sunday morning.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the deaths but that no one else was involved.

Who was Emma Pattison? Matt Mathers has the details:

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Calls for more awareness around male violence in schools after headteacher’s death

09:15 , Emily Atkinson

Helen Redfern, a Conservative councillor in Croydon, described headteacher Emma Pattison as a beautiful, inspiring, caring woman and called for more awareness around male violence in schools.

She tweeted: “I hope that local schools (co-ed and single sex) will address this — not just telling girls what to look out for, but to address the boys’ behaviour too.”

Headteacher’s death ‘shows domestic violence not just reserved for women with no platform'

08:35 , Emily Atkinson

The death of Epsom College’s headteacher shows that even female leaders are “only as safe” as the men in their lives allow them to be, according to friends.

The Times reports that Cathy Walker, a former colleague, said: “Her death shows that domestic abuse and violence against women and girls is not reserved for those who have no voice, no platform, few opportunities.”

Ms Walker, who worked with Ms Pattison within the Girls’ Day School Trust, reportedly wrote on her blog: “It shows that you can be a female leader, empowered, successful, admired, looked up to: and still only as safe as the men in your life allow you to be.”

 (PA Media)
(PA Media)

Headteacher ‘should not be seen as victim of a cowardly man'

07:55 , Emily Atkinson

Emma Pattison should not be seen as the “victim of a cowardly man” but remembered for her talents, Helen Walker, who knew the headteacher for 16 years, said.

Speaking to The Times, Ms Walker said: “It should really be about her. I don’t want to speculate on him in any way. I want people to envisage her and her daughter in a happy place.”

The pair reportedly met when they worked as part-time ski holiday reps in Mühlbach, Austria. Ms Walker said she was not aware of any domestic issues in Ms Pattison’s marriage.

She also shared a picture of Ms Pattison and Lettie, her seven-year-old daughter, paddling on Walberswick beach, Suffolk, four years ago.

“My post was about her light,” she said. “It’s a bit like when you have a terrorist attack. You shouldn’t focus on the perpetrator. You should focus on the victims.”

ICYMI: Epsom College headteacher found dead in school with husband and daughter

07:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta

The headteacher of Epsom College, her husband, and their young daughter were found dead inside the school.

Board of governors chair at the school, Dr Alastair Wells, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.

Watch:

Epsom College headteacher found dead in school with husband and daughter

Epsom College ‘to stay closed for days’

06:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta

Emma Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday.

Acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Mrs Pattison died, according to the BBC.

Ellie Ng reports:

Epsom College ‘to close for days’ as police investigate headteacher ‘murder-suicide’

Epsom College headteacher and daughter killed by husband in murder-suicide

05:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta

The headteacher of Epsom College and her seven-year-old daughter were killed by her husband in a double-murder suicide, police believe.

Surrey Police confirmed the deaths of headteacher Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie are being treated as a murder investigation.

The force has also referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Martha McHardy has more:

Epsom College headteacher and daughter ‘killed by husband in murder-suicide’

All we know about elite £42,000 a year school where headteacher and family found dead

04:10 , Sravasti Dasgupta

Epsom College head Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie were found on school grounds in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ms Pattison was just six months into her post as the school’s first female head.

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person”, she presided over the education of almost 1,000 pupils.

Here’s everything we know about the elite school:

Epsom College: Inside the £42K a year school where headteacher and family found dead

Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

03:10 , Joe Middleton

ICYMI: Emma Pattison was ‘beautiful inside and out’, friend says

02:10 , Joe Middleton

A friend of Emma Pattison’s has described her as “beautiful inside and out”.

Zoe Roberts, a teacher at Caterham School, said: “It is tragic and we wish this had never happened. She was beautiful, inside and out. She was just the most wonderful person.

“We can’t put it into words at the moment, it is too raw. We are still working it out. It is just a tragic loss.”

Emma Pattison: Police refer themselves to watchdog over contact with husband days before deaths

01:10 , Joe Middleton

Police believe that the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison shot his wife and daughter dead just days after they spoke to him on the phone about his gun licence.

George Pattison was found dead alongside his wife and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home on the grounds of the private school in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Investigators said a gun registered to Mr Pattison was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.

Husband found dead with teacher wife contacted police over gun licence

ICYMI Photographer describes Lettie Pattison as ‘an absolute angel’

00:10 , Joe Middleton

John Wildgoose, a photographer who took a portrait of the Pattison family last month for the Epsom College’s announcement of Emma’s headship, has described seven-year-old Lettie as “an absolute angel”.

“It was amazing how she was for the camera, it’s heartbreaking,” The Sun quoted him as saying.

Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

Wednesday 8 February 2023 23:10 , Joe Middleton

ICYMI: Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ headteacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute

Wednesday 8 February 2023 22:10 , Joe Middleton

Former colleagues of a headteacher found dead at her home with her husband and daughter have paid tribute to their “dear friend”.

Emma Pattison, who was head at Croydon High School before she joined Epsom College in September last year, died on Sunday with her daughter Lettie, seven, and her husband George.

Colleagues of ‘much-loved’ teacher found dead with daughter and husband pay tribute

Headteacher ‘arrested seven years ago after domestic row with her husband’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 21:25 , Joe Middleton

Headteacher Emma Pattison was reportedly arrested seven years ago after a domestic row with her husband, George Pattison.

Mrs Pattison, who police believe was shot by her partner, allegedly slapped Mr Pattison around the face, Sky News reported.

He phoned the police and they arrested Mrs Pattison on suspicion of common assault, but she was later released without charge.

ICYMI: Former neighbour laments ‘unimaginable’ death of ‘very bubbly’ Emma Pattison

Wednesday 8 February 2023 21:10 , Joe Middleton

A former neighbour of the family has described Emma Pattison as “very bubbly” as they described her suspected murder at the hands of husband George as “just shocking and unimaginable”.

“She was very bubbly, she was out jogging a lot,” they told The Sun. “He was quiet. All I know about him is that he was a financial guy.

“I got nothing more than a wave from him in four years, whereas Emma I often chatted to. She was more outgoing. I would see her out with the daughter, running and playing on the bike.”

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Wednesday 8 February 2023 20:10 , Joe Middleton

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.

She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.

Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.

Matt Mathers has more details:

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

ICYMI: Police ‘working around the clock’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 19:09 , Joe Middleton

Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.

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.”

Epsom College's headteacher talks about ‘family changes’ in podcast before death

Wednesday 8 February 2023 17:33 , Joe Middleton

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Wednesday 8 February 2023 16:19 , Andy Gregory

Described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”, Emma Pattison was appointed the 14th headteacher of Epsom College last September – becoming the first woman to hold the role.

She had previously been headteacher at Croydon High School in south London, where she worked for six years.

Prior to working in Croydon, Ms Pattison was the deputy head at St John’s School in Leatherhead, an independent school also in Surrey.

My colleague Matt Mathers has more details:

Who was Emma Pattison, the Epsom College headteacher found dead?

Former neighbour laments ‘unimaginable’ death of ‘very bubbly’ Emma Pattison

Wednesday 8 February 2023 15:51 , Andy Gregory

A former neighbour of the family has described Emma Pattison as “very bubbly” as they described her suspected murder at the hands of husband George as “just shocking and unimaginable”.

“She was very bubbly, she was out jogging a lot,” they told The Sun. “He was quiet. All I know about him is that he was a financial guy.

“I got nothing more than a wave from him in four years, whereas Emma I often chatted to. She was more outgoing. I would see her out with the daughter, running and playing on the bike.”

Photographer describes Lettie Pattison as ‘an absolute angel'

Wednesday 8 February 2023 14:51 , Andy Gregory

John Wildgoose, a photographer who took a portrait of the Pattison family last month for the Epsom College’s announcement of Emma's headship, has described seven-year-old Lettie as “an absolute angel”.

“It was amazing how she was for the camera, it’s heartbreaking,” The Sun quoted him as saying.

What has Epsom College said?

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:52 , Andy Gregory

Here is the most recent statement from Epsom College:

George Pattison held gun licence ‘for years'

Wednesday 8 February 2023 13:19 , Andy Gregory

George Pattison, an accountant, had held a gun licence for a number of years and it was up for renewal early last year, according to the Times.

He had been in contact with Surrey Police over his firearms license just over two days before the killings, and the force has referred itself to the police watchdog.

Police ‘working around the clock'

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:50 , Andy Gregory

Police are “working around the clock” on the homicide case at one of the country’s most prestigious schools.

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.”

Emma Pattison was ‘beautiful inside and out’, friend says

Wednesday 8 February 2023 12:21 , Andy Gregory

A friend of Emma Pattison’s has described her as “beautiful inside and out”.

Zoe Roberts, a teacher at Caterham School, said: “It is tragic and we wish this had never happened. She was beautiful, inside and out. She was just the most wonderful person.

“We can’t put it into words at the moment, it is too raw. We are still working it out. It is just a tragic loss. “

Boarders permitted to remain until Friday as Epsom College closes early for half-term

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:44 , Andy Gregory

Epsom College has closed early for half-term as police conduct their homicide investigation, The Independent understands.

A letter went out to parents yesterday, with pupils boarding at the college allowed to remain until Friday when half-term was previously scheduled to start.

The term is due to resume on 20 Febuary.

Former neighbour says they never heard couple argue

Wednesday 8 February 2023 11:26 , Andy Gregory

A former eighbour of the family when they lived in Catherham has said that they never heard Emma and George Pattison arguing, saying they “appeared to have it all”.

“It's horrific what’s happened at the college. I never heard any arguing or anything like that when they lived here. They appeared to have it all, a nice house, good jobs and lots of money,” the ex-neighbour told the MailOnline.

“As well as the BMW, George also drove a Jaguar XR and an Audi S5. They'd also spent a lot of money doing up the house. When they first moved in it was quite a scruffy granny-style house but they’d extended the kitchen and landscaped the back garden as well as improving the front of the house.

“Emma was really nice and charming. She would talk over the fence. George was much quieter, much more introverted.

“He seemed older than 39, he looked and acted like someone approaching 50 not 40. His dress sense was almost like a country gent.”

Neighbours reveal husband's movements in weeks leading up to deaths

Wednesday 8 February 2023 10:28 , Andy Gregory

Former neighbours have suggested that George Pattison had carried on living at the family’s previous home alone for several months after his wife and daughter moved to Epsom College.

Neighbours in Caterham told the MailOnline that they had not been seen Emma or Lettie Pattison since last summer but that Mr Pattison had spent time “toing and froing” between the property and the school up until it was sold last month.

The paper also cited the new resident of the property as saying he had never met the couple when viewing it last October but that there was still some furniture in the property as though someone had spent some time there.

“I wasn’t sure if anybody had actually moved out because I’d seen George quite recently. I saw him in the run up to Christmas. He was by himself, Emma and Lettie were not with him,” one neighbour said. “His BMW 8 Series was parked on the drive. Emma drove a 4x4 but I’d not seen that for a while.

“In fact the last time I spoke to Emma was just before she got the job at Epsom College because she was telling me how she’d just got it and was to become head teacher of this big, prestigious school. I hadn’t seen her nor her daughter since that day and that must have been earlier last summer. I think she moved out before George.

“The new owners arrived about three weeks or so ago and just before they moved in, a removal firm had taken away the last remaining bits of furniture belonging to Emma and George from the house. It was George who handed the keys over to the estate agents. I think he’d been flitting between that house and the property at Epsom.”

They added: “Over the last year or so I never really saw him go to work. I think he may have worked at home a bit but I got the impression he had a lot of time on his hands. I'd see him through the window drinking glasses of red wine in his new kitchen extension.”

Lettie Pattison ‘perfect in every way’, says nursery worker

Wednesday 8 February 2023 09:59 , Andy Gregory

Chloe Rathbone, a 27-year-old nursery worker who used to look after Lettie Pattison, told The Times that she was heartbroken over the death of the seven-year-old.

“They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way,” Ms Rathbown said, adding that she was “utterly heartbroken”.

 (PA Media)
(PA Media)

Police carried out ‘phone review’ of George Pattison’s gun licence

Wednesday 8 February 2023 09:34 , Andy Gregory

George Pattison had been in contact with Surrey Police over his firearms licence just over two days before the killings, and the force has referred itself to the police watchdog.

The Independent understands that Surrey Police had carried out a “phone review” regarding the details of Mr Pattison’s gun licence, and had not interviewed him in person or visited the family home.

Our home affairs editor Lizzie Dearden has more in this report:

Emma Pattison’s husband contacted police over gun licence days before deaths

Deaths ‘sent shockwaves through the local community’, police say

Wednesday 8 February 2023 09:03 , Andy Gregory

Police have described the three deaths as sending “shockwaves through the local community”, as he said there would be a heightened officer presence in the area this week.

Inspector Jon Vale said: “I know this incident has caused upset and sent shockwaves through the local community.

“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.”

George Pattison ‘reported wife to police in 2016 before withdrawing complaint’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 08:46 , Andy Gregory

George Pattison reported his wife to Surrey Police for allegedly striking him in 2016, sources have told The Times.

Emma Pattison was spoken to by officers before her husband quickly withdrew the complaint, saying it was trivial.

He is believed to have been a licensed gun owner for several years and his firearms certificate was renewed last year, The Times reported, citing sources as emphasising that there were no red flags on his record.

Police investigation seeking to establish ‘full chronology’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 07:57 , Andy Gregory

Police have said that their investigation “is being carried out to establish the full chronology and circumstances of the incident”.

“At this stage, officers are confident there is no third-party involvement and there is no wider threat or risk to the community,” Surrey Police said in it’s latest update.

Epsom College to close as police investigate ‘possible murder-suicide’

Wednesday 8 February 2023 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

A private school where the headteacher was found dead alongside her husband and their daughter will reportedly close until after the half-term break as police conduct a homicide investigation.

According to the BBC, acting headmaster Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the “incredibly distressing” details about how Emma Pattison died.

In a letter to parents, Mr Williams said: “Now is a time for families to come together and try and process this shocking news.

“The impact on your children cannot be underestimated and we are doing everything we possibly can to support them in whatever way they need.”

Read more here.

Epsom College to close as police investigate ‘possible murder-suicide’

Police refer themselves to watchdog

Wednesday 8 February 2023 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar

Police believe that the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison shot his wife and daughter dead just days after they spoke to him on the phone about his gun license.

George Pattison was found dead alongside his wife and seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home on the grounds of the private school.

Investigators said a gun registered to him was found at the scene, but that the causes of death would not be officially confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed.

He had been in contact with Surrey Police over his firearms license just over two days before the killings, and the force has referred itself to the police watchdog.

Lizzie Dearden reports.

Emma Pattison’s husband contacted police over gun licence days before deaths