New evidence in Emma Pattison ‘double murder suicide’ as it emerges husband was in contact with cops days before deaths

THE husband of a top private school headteacher found dead on college grounds was in contact with police just days earlier.

George Pattison held a shotgun licence and is understood to have killed his wife Emma and seven-year-old daughter Lettie before taking his own life at the weekend.

He alerted officers to a change of address after his family moved from Caterham, Surrey, to the grounds of Epsom College.

Cops said this was "routine", but due to how recently the update was made, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The bodies of headmistress Emma, George and Lettie were discovered at around 1am on Sunday.

Cops have not disclosed the cause of deaths but are confident no one else was involved in the "isolated" incident.

They confirmed a firearm registered to George was found at the scene and they are treating the tragedy as a double murder and suicide.

Detectives suspect George, 39, killed Emma, 45, and little Lettie before taking his own life.

He is thought to have shot them dead then turned the same gun on himself.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer on the case, said today: "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."

The tragedy has shaken the community and devastated those that knew the "lovely" family.

One former neighbour said: "It is just shocking and unimaginable.";

Chloe Rathbone, 27, a nursery worker who looked after Lettie, told The Times: "I am utterly so heartbroken over this awful news.

"They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way, everything you could have wished for in a little girl."

Emma became the first female head of £42,000-a-year Epsom College in September 2022 after six years at Croydon High School in South London.

She lived on-site with her daughter, Labrador puppy Bella and chartered accountant husband George, who ran a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.

Despite moving to Epsom from their £1.5million property in Caterham last year, the Pattisons reportedly only recently finished transporting the last of their belongings.

Removal vans were spotted outside the four-bedroom detached home, where they had lived since 2014, in the last few weeks.

Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, 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."