Police investigating the death of an Epsom headteacher, her daughter and her husband believe they were shot dead by the husband, the BBC has reported.

Officers suspect George Pattison, 39, killed his wife Emma Pattison, 45, and daughter Lettie before taking his own life at the weekend, The Sun previously reported earlier today.

The BBC has now reported that George Pattison, who had a gun licence, is said to have killed Emma Pattison and seven-year-old Lettie at their home in school grounds.

Mrs Pattison allegedly made a distressed call to a family member some time late on Saturday evening, the BBC also said.

By the time they arrived on scene, the trio were dead.

Surrey Police is reportedly providing more information later today.

The BBC has said that Mr Pattison's gun licence had been recently updated.

The BBC has said that Surrey Police made a routine phone call to accountant, George, in the days before the killings, because the details of his new home needed to be checked.

It is believed that the couple was known to Surrey Police.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the BBC understands this was a matter of routine.

Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.

Mrs Pattison’s husband George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.

A source previously told The Telegraph a staff member living near the premises raised the alarm after hearing gunshots.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey said: “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.

“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.”

Inspector Jon Vale, Epsom and Ewell’s borough commander, said: “We’re aware that this tragic incident will have caused concern and upset in the local community.

“While this is believed to be an isolated incident, in the coming days our local officers will remain in the area to offer reassurance to students, parents, teachers and the local community.

“I would like to thank the school and the community for their understanding and patience while the investigation continues.”

Surrey Police said the three deaths have been reported to the coroner.

Dr Alastair Wells, chair of the board of governors at Epsom College, said: “On behalf of everyone at Epsom College, I want to convey our utter shock and disbelief at this tragic news.

“Our immediate thoughts and condolences are with Emma’s family, friends and loved ones, and to the many pupils and colleagues whose lives she enriched throughout her distinguished career.

“Emma was a wonderful teacher, but most of all she was a delightful person. In time we will commemorate Emma and her family, in the appropriate way, and in line with the wishes of her family.

“But for now, we ask that we are all given the time, space and respect we need to come to terms with this tragic loss.”

Mrs Pattison became Epsom’s first female head in September 2022 after six years as headteacher of Croydon High School in south London.

Boarding students at the college pay more than £42,000 a year and its alumni include Conservative MP Sir Michael Fallon, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and comedian Tim Vine.

Over 850 boys and girls attend the school, which was founded in 1853, and its acting head has been listed as Paul Williams.

Mrs Pattison’s husband George was a chartered accountant who was director of a management consultancy firm called Tanglewood 2016, according to Companies House.