Epsom head teacher called sister before shot by husband

Emma Pattison, the head teacher of Epsom  College, made a distressed call to her sister before she and her daughter were shot dead by her husband, media reports. 

George Pattison is believed to have shot and killed Emma Pattison and Lettie, 7, at the family home on the school grounds, before ending his own life. 

Mrs Pattison is believed to have called the relative late on Saturday evening, by the time the family member arrived, all three were dead.

The school announced on Tuesday it would close until the half-term break, after learning about the “incredibly distressing” details of how Ms Pattison died. 

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

He urged parents to keep a “close eye” on their children, adding: “The impact on your children cannot be underestimated and we are doing everything we possibly can to support them in whatever way they need.”

Investigation into murder-suicide 

Police are investigating the murder-suicide and are attempting to establish the full chronology and circumstances of the incident. 

A licenced firearm registered to Mr Pattison had been found at the scene and has been recovered by police. 

But the causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortem examinations have been completed later this week. 

Mr Pattison’s gun licence had been recently updated.