The incident at an address within Epsom College in the early hours of Sunday, 5 February is now being treated as a homicide investigation.
Officers were called to the property at around 01:10hrs by the South East Coast Ambulance Service. On arrival they found the bodies of three people who police are confident are Emma Pattison (45), her daughter Lettie (7), and her husband George (39).
The deaths have been reported to the coroner for formal identification.
The family’s next of kins have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. We ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.
An investigation is being carried out to establish the full chronology and circumstances of the incident. At this stage, officers are confident there is no third-party involvement and there is no wider threat or risk to the community.
A firearm was found at the scene and has been recovered by officers, however, causes of death will not be confirmed until post-mortems have been completed later this week.
Police can confirm the firearm was licensed and registered to George Pattison.
Police had contact with George on Thursday, 2 February after he notified them of a previous change of address, as is routine. Due to the short period of time between that contact and this incident, Police have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Police are aware of speculation regarding a firing range on the site. Officers can confirm this range does not form part of our scene or inquiries. Any reporting to suggest otherwise is inaccurate.
Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey, Senior Investigating Officer on the case, said: “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. Until this has been completed, we will be unable to provide further details on a number of matters.”
Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s Borough Commander, said: “I know this incident has caused upset and sent shockwaves through the local community. Although we are confident that this incident was contained to one address, and there is no risk to the wider public I fully understand the concern this can and has caused members of our communities. Therefore, the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the local area in the coming days. If you are concerned about anything at all I’d urge you to approach an officer and discuss your concerns with them. They will be ready and happy to help you however they can.
“I would like to send my continued thanks to the school and our public for their understanding while the investigation progresses.”
