The deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide (John Wildgoose/Epsom College/PA)
(Picture: PA Media)The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) says “no investigation is required” into Surrey Police’s contact with the husband of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison after the couple were found dead along with their daughter in the school grounds.
Mrs Pattison, 45, her husband George , 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie were found on Sunday and Surrey Police have launched a homicide investigation.
The deaths are being investigated as a possible murder-suicide and the force confirmed Mr Pattison legally owned a gun discovered at the scene of the tragedy.
It has been reported Mrs Pattison contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings, and when they arrived at the house they found all three members of the family dead.
Mr Pattison had been in contact with Surrey Police just days before the killings about his gun licence in order to change his address after the family moved to the school site from Caterham.
An IOPC spokesman said: “We received a mandatory referral from Surrey Police on February 5 related to the deaths of Emma, Lettie and George Pattison.
“We have reviewed the recent contact Surrey Police had with Mr Pattison regarding his firearms licence and have decided that no investigation is required.
“Following a thorough assessment of the available evidence, we determined on February 8 that the matter should be returned to the force to handle as it deems appropriate.
“We have reminded the force of its obligations, and that if evidence were to come to light that anyone serving with the police may have breached standards of professional behaviour or committed a criminal offence in connection with this, they should refer relevant matters to us.”
Surrey Police said their contact with Mr Pattison on Thursday, February 2, came after he notified them of his change of address.
A spokesman added: “This is routine, however, due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).”
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “These events have been shocking and distressing for everyone involved. We continue to support the wider family with specialist officers and request that, having been subject to widespread local and national attention, they are afforded a level of privacy during this difficult time.
“We fully appreciate the concern this incident has caused within the local community and my team are working hard to establish the full circumstances and will provide any updates as appropriate in due course.”
