Epsom College death updates — George Pattison gave ‘no indication’ before ‘killing wife Emma’ & school provides update
GEORGE Pattison gave "no indication" that he was going to kill wife Emma during a last supper with friends hours before bloody rampage.
A friend said: “On Saturday night they threw a dinner party. It was quite an intimate affair and literally turned out to be their last supper.
“Nothing unusual happened. There were no arguments, no indication he would go on to do something so horrific a short time later.”
In the early hours of the next morning George blasted Emma and daughter Lettie, seven, to death before shooting himself.
It comes as the BBC reported, acting headmaster Paul Williams announced late on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the "incredibly distressing" details about how Mrs Pattison died.
Read our Epsom College blog below for the latest updates...
What did the police say about the case?
Police suspect that George Pattison used a legally owned gun to kill his wife Emma, and his seven-year-old daughter before taking his own life.
Mr Pattison held a shotgun licence which has recently been updated and a weapon registered in his name.
The police haven't officially disclosed the cause of deaths but they are treating the case as a double murder-suicide.
The family were found dead at around 1.10am on February 5.
Cops say that George Pattison spoke to police days before killing
Cops revealed that on February 2, 2023, George Pattison 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).
Emma Pattison became the first female head at Epsom College in September 2022.
Epsom College to close as police investigate ‘possible murder-suicide’
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.”
Credit: PA
What did Emma Pattison say when she joined Epsom College?
Upon joining Epsom College as headmistress, Emma Pattison hailed the school’s historic reputation.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed head of Epsom College,” Ms Pattinson said.
“It is a school I have long admired, with an enviable reputation, and George and I can’t wait to meet the pupils, parents and staff and to become part of this wonderful community.”
Emma Pattison discussed why she loved teaching
Speaking on the Epsom College podcast, Emma Pattison shared her love for teaching.
She said: “I get to talk to people, I get to work with young people and I think the moment when I thought about what my day to day life would be and the fact that it would be working with young people, it’s so much fun – they keep you young, they keep you happy, they keep you energised.
“That was a turning point, I ditched the job I didn’t like very much went into teaching and literally haven’t looked back since.”
Family faced 'really big changes'
In a pupil-run podcast, Emma described the the transition period as being full of "really big changes".
She told sixth form students: "We've obviously moved house, we've bought a dog, I've got a new job, my husband's got a new job which wasn't meant to happen but did, and my daughter has started a new school.
"There has been a lot of change for us as a family, but it has been wonderful."
Lettie described as 'absolute angel'
John Wildgoose, a photographer who took the family's portrait last month for the school's announcement of Emma's headship, described the youngster as "an absolute angel".
He added: "It was amazing how she was for the camera, it’s heartbreaking.
"To me there was an obvious bond within the family, they seemed very together and excited about their future."
Lettie was 'perfect in every way'
Chloe Rathbone, 27, a nursery worker who previously looked after Lettie, told The Times: “I knew Emma, George and Lettie and I am utterly heartbroken over this news.
“They were such a lovely family and Lettie was perfect in every way.”
Public 'overwhelmed with sadness'
Tributes have flooded in following the news of Emma Pattison's death.
One mourner said: "As an OE who met Emma Pattison just 3 months ago, I am overwhelmed with sadness.
"She was a joy to meet, and I was so looking forward to meeting her again on Founder's Day."
A second added: "Every Head in the country and every school in the land will be keeping the Epsom community in their thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come.
"Our love to you all as you process this news and keep watch over a devastated community."
'Shocking and unimaginable'
One shaken former neighbour said: "It is just shocking and unimaginable.
"She was very bubbly, she was out jogging a lot.
"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."
‘Emma Pattison’s husband killed her & daughter & took his own life’, police claim
Police investigating the deaths of a headteacher, her husband and seven-year-old daughter are understood to be treating the tragedy as a double murder and suicide.
Detectives suspect George Pattison, 39, killed his wife Emma, 45, and little Lettie before taking his own life last weekend.
Surrey Police said they are not looking for anybody else in connection with the "isolated" incident, but have given no further details of the causes of the deaths.
Who has paid tribute to the family?
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, wrote: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
"Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie, and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss.
“I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night, and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
How much does it cost to attend Epsom College?
It costs £42,000 a year for students to attend Epsom College.
Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1855.
Jeremy Vine brother Tim, as well as Nicholas Witchell are among the school’s alumni.
Tributes flood in for Emma Pattison and family
Tributes have been flooding in following the tragic news.
One tweeted: "Every Head in the country and every school in the land will be keeping the Epsom community in their thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come."
A second said: "This is tragic news and our hearts go out to the school communities of Epsom College and Croydon High.
"Emma was an inspiring leader and a fabulous role model, Those who knew her are better for having done so."
Neighbours pay tribute to Emma Pattison and her daughter
Neighbours and acquaintances have paid tribute to Emma Pattison and her daughter, after what is suspected to be a double-murder suicide by her husband George Pattison left them both dead.
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.”
And John Wildgoose, a photographer who took the family’s portrait last month for the school’s announcement of Emma’s headship, described the youngster as “an absolute angel”.
He added: “To me there was an obvious bond within the family, they seemed very together and excited about their future.”
George Pattison 'much quieter' than wife Emma
George Pattison, who police suspect of killing his wife and daughter, has been described as "much quieter" than his partner.
Mr Pattison was reportedly known for his "fast cars."
The chartered accountant had a successful career and changed jobs when Emma joined Epsom College.
What did Emma Pattison say when Epsom College was named Independent School of the Year?
Epsom College was named Independent School of the Year in October.
Emma Pattison had previously called the award “an incredible honour” last year.
She added: “We put focus on time, space and heart and spirit to give all the young people in our care everything they need to become the best version of themselves – in the classroom, on the sports field and in any field of interest that lights that spark within them.”
School governor pays tribute to Emma Pattison
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College has paid tribute to the “wonderful” Emma Pattison.
He said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
“Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person.
“In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family.
“But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
Epsom College closed early on Tuesday
Following reports by police Emma Pattison may have been murdered by her husband, Epsom College closed early today.
In a letter to parents, Paul Williams, acting headmaster, said: “On Monday it was helpful to all come together as a community to receive and offer support.
“We have had a team of counsellors at the College available for all pupils and staff. In addition to that, of course, we have all been here for anyone who is struggling and needs additional support.
“However, the details that have emerged today are incredibly distressing and we feel it is best to close the College from this evening.
“Now is the time for families to come together and try to process this shocking news.”
Brtis pay tribute to Emma Pattison following tragic death
Brits continue to pay tribute Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie.
One said: "As an OE who met Emma Pattison just 3 months ago, I am overwhelmed with sadness.
"She was a joy to meet, and I was so looking forward to meeting her again on Founder's Day."
A second added: "Every Head in the country and every school in the land will be keeping the Epsom community in their thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come.
"Our love to you all as you process this news and keep watch over a devastated community."
No cause of death can be confirmed yet, say police
Despite authorities believing Emma Pattison was killed by her husband in a double-murder suicide, a cause of death is yet to be established.
Surrey Police said: “An 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.
“A firearm was found at the scene and has been recovered by officers, however, causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortems have been completed later this week.”
Emma Pattison discussed why she loved teaching
Speaking on the Epsom College podcast, Emma Pattison shared her love for teaching.
She said: “I get to talk to people, I get to work with young people and I think the moment when I thought about what my day to day life would be and the fact that it would be working with young people, it’s so much fun – they keep you young, they keep you happy, they keep you energised.
“That was a turning point, I ditched the job I didn’t like very much went into teaching and literally haven’t looked back since.”
Emma Pattison was Epsom College's first-ever female headmaster
Emma Pattison became the first woman to lead Epsom College when she took on the role of headmistress last September.
This came after Mrs Pattison spent 6 years as the headmistress of Croydon High School in south London.
Upon taking on the role at Epsom College Mrs Pattison described it as a "really big change" for her family.
George Pattison had contacted the police in the past
Reports claim George Pattison, the husband of Epsom College headmistress Emma Pattison, had contacted the police in 2016.
During this correspondence, Mr Pattison alleged his wife had hit him, before withdrawing the claim.
Early today, police said they believe Mr Pattison murdered his wife and daughter before committing suicide, although this theory is yet to be confirmed.
Police promise to provide answers 'when they can'
Police have promised to provide the public with further details on the death of Emma Pattison, George Pattison and their daughter "when they can."
“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," Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said.
“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.”