The family of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison has said she and her daughter Lettie were “inseparable” – as loved ones paid tribute to them.

Police believe they were shot dead by her husband George Pattison before he took his own life.

All three were found deceased at their home within the independent school’s grounds on 5 February.

His legally-owned shotgun was discovered nearby.

In a statement issued through Surrey Police, the family said Mrs Pattison, 45, was “everything one could hope for in a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, teacher and so much more”.

The relatives added: “Emma had a warm, welcoming smile and sparkling, blue eyes, full of optimism. Over the last 11 days we’ve noticed the sky has been bright blue, with at times a warm glow of pink…”

Lettie, seven, was “Emma’s pride and joy”, they said.

Loved ones described the little girl as “adorable” and “vibrant” with a “compelling curiosity, a heart-melting smile and an intellect beyond her years”.

The family continued: “The two of them (mum and daughter) were inseparable and we take comfort in that they will remain so.

“We are an extremely close family and family was at the centre of Emma and Lettie’s universe.

“The Epsom College community had become part of that universe for them both.”

Read more:
Epsom College headteacher arrested seven years ago after row with husband
Husband found dead alongside Emma Pattison and daughter had shotgun licence

The family has also expressed their “heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support we have received over the past 11 days”.

The statement continued: “Thank you to the immeasurable number of people and institutions who have written messages, sent flowers, paid tributes, held vigils or otherwise taken time to remember Emma and Lettie.

“We would like to thank Surrey Police for their sensitive and thorough handling of the on-going investigation into this horrendous tragedy.”