A husband who was found dead alongside his headteacher wife and their daughter, seven, on Sunday had a shotgun licence that he was in contact with police about last week.

George Pattison, was found with wife Emma Pattison and their daughter Lettie early on Sunday morning at their home in the grounds of Epsom College school.

The Times has reported that Mrs Pattison, 45, had contacted a close relative with concerns about her husband in the hours before the killings, and when they arrived at the house they found all three members of the family dead.

Surrey Police have confirmed that officers have launched a homicide investigation.

The force said a firearm licensed to Mr Pattison, 39, was recovered from the scene but cause of death would not be confirmed until post-mortems have been completed later this week.

Surrey Police said it had contact with Mr Pattison last Thursday after he notified officers of a change in address. The force has subsequently made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The force added the firing range at the school did not form part of the crime scene and was not a line of inquiry in the investigation.

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.”

Related posts:

Maxwell’s brother ‘recognises setting’ of photo of her, Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre Injured child put in police car as no ambulances at scene after Manchester Arena bombing, inquiry told Two men and woman die after car crashes into roundabout Overlooked and misunderstood: The problems ahead for Britain’s veterans Cox, Dunn and Russell triumph as GB win three more golds at the Paralympics England reports record number of daily COVID cases Nine new symptoms added to COVID list as free testing ends Hay fever tablet shortages only affecting a ‘small number of lines’, pharmacists say ‘Oh Ryan, not this again’: ‘Distressed’ Giggs went in slippers to neighbour for help on night he ‘headbutted’ ex, court hears We knew there was a rift between Harry and William – but now we know just how deep it runs Rail passengers face fourth day of disruption due to strikes – with deadlock still unbroken Junior doctors ‘likely’ to go on strike next month