The deaths of a head teacher, her daughter and husband are reportedly being investigated as possible murder-suicide.
Emma Pattison, her seven-year-old daughter Lettie and husband George were found dead at their home in the grounds of independent Epsom College, in England, in the early hours of Sunday.
The Times reported that she contacted a close relative the previous evening with concerns about her husband, and when the relative arrived at their home they found them all dead.
READ MORE: Head teacher found dead on school grounds with family
Mr Pattison had been in touch with police only last week about his shotgun licence in order to change his address, the newspaper said.
Surrey Police has not released details of the cause of death but said investigators are confident no one else was involved. A source told the Telegraph that a member of school staff called emergency services on Sunday after hearing gunshots.
Mrs Pattison, 45, became Epsom's first female head in September 2022 after six years as head teacher of Croydon High School in south London.
Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 (€47,000) a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine. Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.
Mrs Pattison’s husband George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.
In a statement late on Sunday evening, the elite school, which was named independent school of the year in 2022, asked for privacy as the school community grappled with the shocking news and the loss of its head.
READ NEXT:
- Rescuer looking for missing Nicola Bulley casts doubt on river theory
Increased risk of 'sudden' weather phenomenon this month as experts watch models closely
Family of feud shooting victim told Daniel Kinahan where to stick his 'blood money'
Man who 'danced' on body of Robert O'Connor after beating admits to brutal prison murder
For the latest headlines from at home and abroad, visit our homepage