The headteacher of Epsom College made a frantic call to her sister before she and her daughter were killed in an alleged murder-suicide last weekend, it has been reported.
Emma Pattison and her young daughter Lettie tragically died in the early hours of Sunday morning at their home on the grounds of Epsom College. It's been claimed that husband George, 39, shot and killed them before turning the gun on himself.
Just moments before the unspeakable tragedy, Emma, 45, is reported to have phoned her sister, Deborah Kirk, who rushed to the scene, according to a report from Mail Online. The report states that family members discovered the three bodies upon arrival.
READ MORE - Epsom College deaths in Surrey being treated as 'possible murder-suicide'
Emma and her family moved into their home on Epsom's school grounds back in September when she became the college's first ever female headteacher.
Neighbours at the couple's former home in nearby Caterham, Surrey, told members of the media that Emma's car had not been seen since then but George's BMW had been seen parked on the drive in the run-up to Christmas, suggesting he moved out later.
One neighbour said: "Emma was really nice and charming. She would talk over the fence. George was much quieter, much more introverted."
The new owners of their former home moved in just three weeks ago, with a removal van seen picking up their last pieces of furniture shortly beforehand.
In a since-deleted student podcast, Ms Pattison spoke of how recent months in her new role had seen big changes for her family.
"In terms of transition it’s been a really big change for my family. We’ve moved house - we’ve bought a dog," she said.
"I’ve got a new job, my husband has got a new job, that wasn’t meant to happen but it did and my daughter has started a new school so there’s been a lot of change for us as a family."
The head revealed she "hadn't looked back" since entering into teaching and told the student-presented podcast that "working with you people keeps you young, they keep you energised."
Surrey Police have confirmed that they were called by Emma's husband - a licensed shotgun holder for many years - in the days leading up to the shootings, and it has subsequently referred itself to police watchdog IOPC as a matter of protocol.
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.
"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."
The school released a statement of its own in the wake of the tragedy, which reads: "It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George.
"Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time.
"The College is working with the police in what remains an ongoing investigation.
"We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth and support required from the Epsom College community."
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