Emma Pattison ‘arrested years before death after argument with husband’

An Epsom College principal who was found dead in an alleged shooting by her husband was briefly arrested after a domestic dispute with him in 2016.

George Pattison, 39, called police and claimed his wife Emma Pattison, 45, punched him in the face just before midnight, according to Sky News.

Two minutes later, Mr Pattison dialed 999 again to ask officers not to come as it was a “mundane matter and he had overreacted,” the news channel reported.

Officers nevertheless visited her home in Caterham, Surrey, and arrested Ms Pattison on suspicion of mutual assault.

She was interrogated in the early hours of the morning before being released free of charge.

Police have been told the couple are in counseling to overcome their marital problems.

The problems, detectives were told, included Ms Pattison’s job as an assistant principal at an independent secondary school in Leatherhead.

Ms Pattison was found dead at her home on the grounds of Epsom College on Sunday with her husband and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie.

Police opened a murder investigation and believe Mr Pattison killed her before he committed suicide.

Ms Pattison is understood to have made a “distressed call” to a relative late on Saturday night – but when they arrived the three family members were dead.

Police confirmed that a firearm licensed and registered for Mr Pattison was recovered from the scene.

The force called Mr Pattison just days before the death as part of a routine license check.

Police reportedly had no objection but referred the call to the Independent Bureau of Police Conduct (IOPC) over possible wrongdoing.

The force said: “An investigation is being conducted to establish the full chronology and circumstances surrounding the incident.

“At this time, officials are confident that no third party is involved and there is no major threat or danger to the community.

“A firearm was found at the scene and was recovered by officers. However, the causes of death will not be confirmed until the post-mortem is completed later this week.

“We can confirm the firearm was licensed and registered to George Pattison.”

Ms Pattison was the first female principal at Epsom College, which remains closed until after the term break.

Acting Principal Paul Williams wrote in a letter to parents and guardians that the school would offer counseling to all students and staff.

“The details that have emerged today are incredibly disturbing and we think it would be best to close the college from tonight,” he said.

“Now is the time for families to come together and try to process this shocking news.”

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