Search teams to enter fire-hit home

2:32am Friday 29th August 2008

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Investigators are hoping to be able to enter the fire-ravaged home of a missing millionaire and his family amid fears they may be dead inside.

The Shropshire home of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and 15-year-old daughter Kirstie was devastated in a suspected arson attack shortly before 5am on Tuesday.

The family has been missing since the fire.

It took fire crews several hours to control the blaze that damaged a stable block and garage. Three horses were found dead.

Police and fire investigators have not yet been able to get inside Osbaston House in Maesbrook, near Oswestry, Shropshire, as it was too badly damaged.

West Mercia Constabulary have refused to comment on rumours that bullet cartridges and pools of blood have been found at the house, which is reported to be worth £1.2 million.

The force also refused to confirm or deny newspaper reports which suggested police feared Mr Foster may have shot dead his family before boarding himself in the house and setting fire to it.

A police spokesman said: "There is a lot of speculation going on. When we are able to we will issue facts. We are not able to go into the building so we do not know what, if anything, is inside."

Firefighters worked through Tuesday night damping down the building and reducing the temperature so structural experts could begin to stabilise it.

Superintendent Gary Higgins said every possible line of inquiry to trace the family was being followed up.

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