Three chilling signs before Emma Pattison was shot alongside daughter, 7

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Three chilling signs before Emma Pattison was shot alongside daughter, 7
Three chilling signs before Emma Pattison was shot alongside daughter, 7

DETECTIVES are "working around the clock" to piece together what happened before a man allegedly killed his wife, seven-year-old daughter and then himself.

They believe George Pattison, 39, shot dead headteacher Emma, 45, and little Lettie late on Saturday night before taking his own life in a murder-suicide.

Emma, George and Lettie Pattison were found dead in the early hours of February 5 qhidqxiqrqidrrprw
Emma, George and Lettie Pattison were found dead in the early hours of February 5Credit: PA
Police guard the entrance to Epsom College in Surrey
Police guard the entrance to Epsom College in SurreyCredit: LNP

Several shocking details have emerged in the days since the tragedy on the grounds of Epsom College, Surrey.

But as the investigation enters its fourth day, here are three of the most chilling things we know so far.

1. Family living arrangements

Emma was appointed head of the prestigious private school in September 2022 and moved into a property on-site.

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But the family reportedly only handed over the keys to their old house in Caterham a few weeks ago.

George, who held a shotgun licence, is understood to have stayed behind at the four-bedroom home while Emma and Lettie settled into their new one.

His BMW Series 8 remained parked on the drive and several neighbours say they spotted him working from home, drinking wine in the kitchen and regularly coming and going.

One former neighbour told MailOnline: "I could see the lights on in the evening and his car was around but never hers."

Another said: "I wasn't sure if anybody had actually moved out because I'd seen George quite recently, in the run up to Christmas.

"I hadn't seen [Emma] nor her daughter since last summer. I think she moved out before George."

While a third claimed: "Over the last year or so I never really saw him go to work.

"I got the impression he had a lot of time on his hands."

The chartered accountant, who took out a director's loan for the year ending October 2021, is understood to have left last month after the sale of the £1.5million house went through.

A removal van carrying the last of their belongings was allegedly seen in the road in January.

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Land Registry documents show a mortgage was taken out on the old house in January 2022 - eight years after the family bought it for around £600,000.

2. Final call for help

Emma made a distressed phone call to her sister Deborah Kirk minutes before she was shot dead, it is understood.

Her cry for help reportedly prompted relatives to drive to the Pattison family home in the early hours of February 5, according to MailOnline.

By the time they got there, Emma, Lettie and George were dead.

A firearm registered to the dad was also discovered at the scene, though cops have not yet confirmed the cause of the deaths.

3. Previous police report

Sources say George had no criminal history and was not on Surrey Police's radar.

The only time he crossed paths with the force previously was when he accused his wife of striking him in 2016.

He is said to have reported her for hitting him during a domestic incident.

But he later withdrew the claims, saying the matter was trivial, The Times reports.

George was also in contact with officers just days before the killings, but cops said this was for a "routine" change of address on his gun licence.

It is assumed this was because he had officially moved into the family home at Epsom College.

Due to the short period of time between the licence update and the possible murder-suicide, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer on the case, said today: "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."

Alice Fuller

Surrey, Police, Crime, Courts, Emma Pattison

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