Menu
01/09/2008
Third Body Found In Arson Attack Mansion
A third body has been found in the burnt-out mansion of a millionaire businessman.
Christopher Foster, 50, his wife Jill, 49, and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie had not been seen since the arson attack last Tuesday at Osbaston House, a large country estate in Shropshire.
West Mercia Police are treating the case as a murder inquiry.
A post mortem on Thursday identified the first body found in the ruins of the building to be Jill Foster. Tests reveal she had been shot in the head prior to the blaze.
The second body found has not yet been identified but is believed to be that of Mr Foster. The cause of death is still unknown. A rifle legitimately owned by Mr Foster was found close by the man's body, tests are being carried out to establish whether it was the murder weapon.
Police specialists found the remains of a third person on Sunday evening.
Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, of West Mercia Police, said it would take "some time" to remove the third body from the scene "due to its position".
"The search and examination of the property is continuing and is still expected to take several days, possibly even weeks," he said.
Three horses and four dogs were also found in the house; all had been shot.
Police have confirmed the entrance to the grounds of the house had been blocked by a horse box belonging to the family.
The Fosters were last seen at a barbecue at a friend's house. Internet records show Kirstie had been online until 1am on the morning of the fire.
Mr Foster made his fortune developing insulation technology for oil rigs.
Earlier this year a judge ruling on a debt case said the businessman was "bereft of the basic instincts of commercial morality". Court documents show that his company, Ulva Ltd, which had gone into liquidation, faced legal action from one of its suppliers for thousands of pounds, and also owed around £800,000.
(GK)
Christopher Foster, 50, his wife Jill, 49, and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie had not been seen since the arson attack last Tuesday at Osbaston House, a large country estate in Shropshire.
West Mercia Police are treating the case as a murder inquiry.
A post mortem on Thursday identified the first body found in the ruins of the building to be Jill Foster. Tests reveal she had been shot in the head prior to the blaze.
The second body found has not yet been identified but is believed to be that of Mr Foster. The cause of death is still unknown. A rifle legitimately owned by Mr Foster was found close by the man's body, tests are being carried out to establish whether it was the murder weapon.
Police specialists found the remains of a third person on Sunday evening.
Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, of West Mercia Police, said it would take "some time" to remove the third body from the scene "due to its position".
"The search and examination of the property is continuing and is still expected to take several days, possibly even weeks," he said.
Three horses and four dogs were also found in the house; all had been shot.
Police have confirmed the entrance to the grounds of the house had been blocked by a horse box belonging to the family.
The Fosters were last seen at a barbecue at a friend's house. Internet records show Kirstie had been online until 1am on the morning of the fire.
Mr Foster made his fortune developing insulation technology for oil rigs.
Earlier this year a judge ruling on a debt case said the businessman was "bereft of the basic instincts of commercial morality". Court documents show that his company, Ulva Ltd, which had gone into liquidation, faced legal action from one of its suppliers for thousands of pounds, and also owed around £800,000.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 April 2015
Body Found Following House Fire
An investigation has launched into a fatal house fire in Bottesford in Leicestershire. Emergency services were called out to reports of a house fire in Grantham Road at about 13.50 on Sunday. Firefighters subsequently found a body inside the building.
Body Found Following House Fire
An investigation has launched into a fatal house fire in Bottesford in Leicestershire. Emergency services were called out to reports of a house fire in Grantham Road at about 13.50 on Sunday. Firefighters subsequently found a body inside the building.
02 September 2008
Mansion Body Identified As Christopher Foster
The body of a man found at the site of a burnt-out mansion in Shropshire has been identified as Christopher Foster. The body of Mr Foster's wife Jill Foster, 49, was found in Osbaston House in Maesbrook on Friday, following a fire at the property in the early hours of August 26.
Mansion Body Identified As Christopher Foster
The body of a man found at the site of a burnt-out mansion in Shropshire has been identified as Christopher Foster. The body of Mr Foster's wife Jill Foster, 49, was found in Osbaston House in Maesbrook on Friday, following a fire at the property in the early hours of August 26.
05 March 2015
Stepbrother Of Becky Watts Charged With Murder
The stepbrother of 16-year-old Becky Watts has been charged with murder. Nathan Matthews, 28, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on 2 April. His girlfriend, Shauna Hoare, 21, was also remanded in custody.
Stepbrother Of Becky Watts Charged With Murder
The stepbrother of 16-year-old Becky Watts has been charged with murder. Nathan Matthews, 28, has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before Bristol Crown Court on 2 April. His girlfriend, Shauna Hoare, 21, was also remanded in custody.
13 May 2014
Three Kayakers Found Dead Named
Three kayakers found dead in the River Tyne in Northumberland after they went missing were two brothers and their cousin. Police were alerted after brothers Darren Thorpe, 41, Mark Thorpe, 39, and their cousin Gavin Bradley, 36, all from South Shields, were reported missing at 11.00pm last Sunday when they failed to return home.
Three Kayakers Found Dead Named
Three kayakers found dead in the River Tyne in Northumberland after they went missing were two brothers and their cousin. Police were alerted after brothers Darren Thorpe, 41, Mark Thorpe, 39, and their cousin Gavin Bradley, 36, all from South Shields, were reported missing at 11.00pm last Sunday when they failed to return home.
12 September 2008
Golf Course Victim Identified
A badly burned body found on the 11th tee of a world famous golf course has been identified by police. The discovery was made by greenkeepers at Carnoustie, Angus, on Wednesday. Robert Higgins, 51, of Main Street, Barry, has been named as the victim. The area was sealed off as while officers worked at the scene. The course has re-opened today.
Golf Course Victim Identified
A badly burned body found on the 11th tee of a world famous golf course has been identified by police. The discovery was made by greenkeepers at Carnoustie, Angus, on Wednesday. Robert Higgins, 51, of Main Street, Barry, has been named as the victim. The area was sealed off as while officers worked at the scene. The course has re-opened today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
