Two bodies found at fire-hit home

11:43am Saturday 30th August 2008

Two bodies have been found in the burnt-out Shropshire home of millionaire businessman Christopher Foster.

Mr Foster, his wife Jill and daughter Kirstie, 15, have not been seen since their home was gutted by a blaze on Tuesday

West Mercia Police said two bodies were found in the main part of Osbaston House, Maesbrook, Shropshire.

Superintendent Gary Higgins said: "We can confirm that two bodies were recovered on Friday night from the main part of Osbaston House, Maesbrook. The remains will be examined by a Home Office pathologist and post mortems are due to be carried out to establish the cause of death."

Officers entered the main part of the building on Friday morning but were forced to withdraw "almost immediately" after debris began to fall. They left the building for their own safety, but were able to re-enter in the afternoon following more work to shore up the structure.

The search for a third body will continue.

Supt Higgins said it could take several weeks to complete the examination and sifting of debris inside the building.

Police said the premises were deliberately set alight.

Police have refused to comment on reports that bullet cartridges and pools of blood were found in the courtyard.

A man who knew Mr Foster said he feared his former business associate may have "just flipped". Terence Baines, a former director of Mr Foster's company Ulva Ltd, said: "It's anyone's guess, but it seems that the people he owed money to are big companies and I can't see them behind something like this."

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