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The headteacher of Epsom College has been found dead at the school alongside her seven-year-old daughter and husband.
Head of the Surrey private school, Emma Pattinson, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found dead alongside her seven-year-old daughter, Lettie after police were called to the area around 1am on Sunday.
Surrey Police investigating the incident have said it is an “isolated incident” and a third party is not being sought.
Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.”
He said Ms Pattinson was a “wonderful teacher” but most of all she was a delightful person.
What is Epsom College?
Known as an elite rugby school, Epsom College is award-winning independent day and boarding school that teaches over 850 boys and girls aged 11 to 18.
Police were called to the £42,000-a-year Surrey school at 1am on Sunday.
Surrey Police have said that they are confident that this is an isolated incident and there is no third-party involvement.
Epsom and Ewell Borough Commander Inspector Jon Vale said: “We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community.
“While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days, our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers, and the local community.
“I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.”
ICYMI: Headteacher of Surrey private school found dead alongside husband and seven-year-old daughter
The head of a prestigious Surrey private school has been found dead at the school alongside her seven-year-old daughter and her husband.
Epsom College head, Emma Pattinson, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found dead alongside her seven-year-old daughter, Lettie.
Ms Pattison has been described as a “wonderful teacher” and a “delightful person” who had a “distinguished career”.
Police were called to the £42,000 per year Surrey school at 1am on Sunday.
In an email from the school board of governors, Dr Wells, to parents at the school, he said that the College will come together tomorrow morning at the usual time.
It read: “Chapel services will take place throughout the morning; Housemasters, housemistresses and the head of lower school will be on hand to offer immediate support and comfort; and we will have additional counsellors on site for any member of the community – pupils and staff – who needs to talk, grieve or be supported.”
School pay tribute to ‘wonderful and delightful’ teacher
Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, said, “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.
“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.
“Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person. In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family.
“But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”
Emma Pattinson had been the head for just six months
Surrey Police treating deaths as ‘isolated incident’
In a statement last night a spokesman for Surrey Police explained how the discovery was made.
“In the early hours of this (Sun) morning, Surrey Police was contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to attend a property in the grounds of Epsom College.
“Officers attended at around 1:10am where they, sadly, found the bodies of three people, including a child.
“We can confirm that the bodies found were Emma Pattison aged 45 years. Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, aged seven years and her husband George aged 39 years.
“The family’s next of kins have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“An investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of their deaths. At this stage, police are confident that this is an isolated incident with no third-party involvement.”
Detective chief inspector Kimball Edey said: “On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss.
“I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Surrey private school headteacher found dead
The head of a prestigious Surrey private school has been found dead at the school alongside her seven-year-old daughter and her husband.
Epsom College head, Emma Pattinson, 45, and her husband George, 39, were found dead alongside her seven-year-old daughter, Lettie.
Police were called to the £42,000 per year Surrey school at 1am on Sunday.
In a statement last night a spokesman for Surrey Police explained how the discovery was made.
“In the early hours of this (Sun) morning, Surrey Police was contacted by the South East Coast Ambulance Service to attend a property in the grounds of Epsom College.”
Read the full story below:
Emma Pattinson, 45, had been headteacher of £42,000 per year Epsom College for just six months
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