10 February 2023 , 16:11
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Surrey Police has been cleared by an independent conduct watchdog, over the short period of time between the force speaking to George Pattison and his family's tragic deaths at Epsom College
Emma Pattison, 45, her daughter Lettie and her husband George, 39, were all found dead at their home within the private school's grounds in Surrey, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Surrey Police confirmed a firearm was found at the scene registered to Mr Pattison, and it he reportedly shot his wife and daughter before killing himself.
It was only three days earlier that Mr Pattison spoke to the police informing it of a change of address, in relation to his gun licence.
This short period of time is what led to it being referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Headteacher, husband and daughter, 7, found dead on grounds of school
Emma Pattison had taken on her new job as headteacher in September (PA)A statement from Surrey Police read: "A referral by Surrey Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the deaths of three people at a property within Epsom College has concluded no investigation is required by them."
It continued: "As previously stated, Surrey Police had had prior contact with Mr Pattison on Thursday, 2 February after he notified us of a change of address. 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).
"The IOPC have now looked at this referral and stated today that following a thorough assessment, they have “reviewed the recent and past contact Surrey Police had with Mr Pattison regarding his firearms licence and have decided no investigation is required.”
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer, said that the police are continuing to try and establish the "full circumstances" of the incident that led to the three deaths.
He 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.”