Croydon High School has laid out an array of teddies and flowers to make tribute to their former headteacher who was found shot dead in Epsom along with her daughter and husband.

It is believed that George Pattison, 39, shot his wife Emma Pattison, 45, and their seven-year-old daughter Lettie at their home in the grounds of Epsom College in Surrey on Sunday, February 5.

It was confirmed on February 7 that officers have launched a homicide investigation into their deaths, which is possibly a murder-suicide.

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

The school and wider community is mourning the loss of their former head, laying out a sea of tributes to their colleague and teacher.

A statement on Croydon High Schools site reads: “The whole Croydon High community are joining together to support one another and to honour the memory of our former Head, Emma Pattison and her daughter Lettie, who was a pupil in our Junior School.

“Emma was a hugely respected and much loved Head of Croydon High.

“She was an energetic compassionate leader, a dedicated teacher and generous, insightful colleague and friend.

“Our deepest condolences are with her family and close friends and all at Epsom College.”

Cheryl Giovannoni, chief executive of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), of which Croydon High School is part, previously said: “We are immensely shocked and saddened by the news about the death of Emma Pattison, her daughter Lettie and her husband George.

“Our thoughts are with their family at this time, as well as everyone at Croydon High School, and Epsom College, which Emma joined as head in September 2022.

“Emma was a much loved and respected member of the GDST community, as well as a talented head and teacher and a dear friend to many of us.

“She touched the lives of all of us with her energy, wisdom and kindness during her six years as head of Croydon High School and the school will always bear the legacy of her inspiring leadership.

“We are taking time to support staff and students at Croydon High School as well as everyone in the GDST family, and their wellbeing will be our priority in the coming days.”

A statement from Epsom College, which remains closed until after the half-term while investigations continue, reads: “It is with the deepest sadness and regret that we have to announce the news of the deaths of Emma Pattison, Head of Epsom College, her daughter Lettie, and her husband George.

“Our thoughts, condolences and sympathies are with their families at this tragic time. The College is working with the Police in what remains an ongoing investigation.

“We must now focus on the welfare and wellbeing of our pupils and staff, and work to ensure that they receive all the comfort, warmth and support required from the Epsom College community.

“We ask that the public and the media respect the privacy of Emma’s family, and help us to prioritise the needs of our pupils.

“The news is heartbreaking and we need time and space to come together and process this loss.”