The head teacher of a prestigious private school in the UK has been found dead inside college grounds alongside her husband and young daughter.
Police say Emma Pattison, husband George and daughter Lettie, 7, were found dead in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey early on Sunday morning.
Few details have so far been released to the public, but detectives say that they believe the discovery is an “isolated incident” and so far, no third parties are suspected of being involved.
The next of kin of Pattison, 45, and husband George, 39 have been notified while officers work to establish the family’s cause of death.
Surrey Police Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey described the incident as a “tragic loss”.
“On behalf of Surrey Police, my team, and I, I first want to express my sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Emma, Lettie and George, as well as to the students and staff of Epsom College, for their tragic loss,” he said, per the BBC.
“I want to give my assurance that we will conduct a thorough investigation into what took place last night, and hope to be able to bring some peace in these traumatic circumstances. I would ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”
Officers are set to remain in the area in the coming days to “reassure students, parents and teachers”.
Dr Alastair Wells, Chair of the Board of Governors at Epsom College, said the community was in “utter shock” and disbelief upon hearing of the news.
“On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news,” he said.