'Comforted they remain together': Family pay tribute to 'inseparable' Epsom College head and daughter found dead
15 February 2023, 17:51 | Updated: 15 February 2023, 21:41
The family of head teacher of Epsom College and her daughter have paid tribute to the pair after they were found dead earlier this month.
Emma Pattison, 45, was discovered lifeless along with Lettie, 7, and husband George on February 5.
George Pattison is believed to have shot his wife and daughter before killing himself.
In statement released by Surrey police the family said that the mother and daughter were "inseparable".
"We, the family of Emma and Lettie, would like to express our deepest, heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support we have received over the past 11 days," they said.
"Thank you to the immeasurable number of people and institutions who have written messages, sent flowers, paid tributes, held vigils or otherwise taken time to remember Emma and Lettie.
"We would like to thank Surrey Police for their sensitive and thorough handling of the on-going investigation into this horrendous tragedy and to the Epsom College Community, Croydon High and Danes Hill schools for their invaluable support.
"Thank you also to the media who have, largely, respected our privacy at this difficult time: we ask that they continue to do so.
"To see the esteem in which Emma is held by all who knew her is an enormous comfort. She was everything one could hope for in a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, teacher and so much more.
"We are an extremely close family and family was at the centre of Emma and Lettie’s universe. The Epsom College Community had become part of that universe for them both."
Emma's daughter Lettie had been her "pride and joy", their relatives said, describing the youngster as "an adorable, vibrant little girl with a compelling curiosity, a heart-melting smile and an intellect beyond her years".
The pair were described as "inseparable" and the family said they "take comfort in that they will remain so".
The statement added that "Emma had a warm, welcoming smile and sparkling, blue eyes, full of optimism.
"Over the last eleven days we’ve noticed the sky has been bright blue, with at times a warm glow of pink."
The force has still not revealed details of how the family died, but a firearm legally registered to Mr Pattison, 39, was found at the scene.
Mr Pattison was in contact with police days before the tragedy notifying them of a change of address after the family moved onto school grounds.
It's been reported that live ammunition is not kept at the school's rifle range.
No concerns appear to have been raised about a firearm and ammunition being kept at Mr Pattison's home.
The police watchdog has decided not to investigate the force’s handling of the matter.
