Emma Pattison cops investigated by watchdog after head’s husband contacted officers over gun days before rampage
DETECTIVES investigating the possible murder-suicide of a headteacher, her seven-year-old daughter and husband are being probed by the police watchdog.
Surrey Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after it was revealed its officers had spoken to the alleged killer about his gun licence just days before the rampage.
George Pattison is believed to have shot his wife Emma and daughter Lettie before turning the gun on himself in the early hours of February 5.
A firearm registered to him was discovered at the scene on the grounds of Epsom College, Surrey, where the family lived.
The dad had been in contact with his local force to change the address on his licence on February 2.
He had recently moved to Epsom following his wife's appointment as headmistress at the prestigious school.
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Cops said the procedure was "routine" but passed the case to the IOPC due to the "short period of time" between the correspondence and discovery of the bodies.
understands the review was carried out over the phone and officers did not visit the family home.
He is thought to have assured officers his weapon was safely stored, according to .
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.
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"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."
Police had separately investigated an allegation that Emma had hit her husband during a domestic incident in 2016.
He later withdrew the claim, saying it was trivial, reports.
The triple killing is being treated as a double murder and suicide but the case of deaths has not yet been disclosed.
Emma made a distressed phone call to her sister Deborah Kirk minutes before she was killed, it is understood.
Her cry for help reportedly prompted relatives to drive to the Pattison family home in the early hours of February 5, according to .
By the time they got there, Emma, Lettie and George were dead.
