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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Ashlie Blakey

Police called to home of Epsom College head in 2016 over domestic row

Police were called to the home of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison and her husband in 2016 over a domestic incident, according to reports.

Mrs Pattison, 45, was found dead with her husband George Pattison, 39, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of the school in Surrey on Sunday. Mr Pattison is believed to have shot his wife and daughter - with a gun he owned legally - before turning the gun on himself.

According to the BBC, Mr Pattison reported a domestic assault to Surrey Police seven years ago. Mrs Pattison was questioned by officers, but no further action was taken against her.

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Mr Pattison had been in contact with 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. But police confirmed that neither he nor his wife were subject to an ongoing investigation.

A statement from the force said: "We had contact with George on February 2 after he notified us of a previous change of address, as is routine. Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, we have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."

The IOPC said it is assessing the information available to decide if any further action is necessary. Mrs Pattison is believed to have made a 'distressed call' to a relative just before the tragic incident.

Police outside Epsom College (PA)

She called the relative some time late on Saturday evening, but by the time the family member arrived, all three were dead. Police said that while a gun was found at the scene, causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortem examinations are carried out later this week.

Acting headmaster at Epsom College Paul Williams announced on Tuesday that the school will close until after the half-term break following the 'incredibly distressing' details about how Mrs 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."

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