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Detectives were today trawling through CCTV footage which could hold the key to what happened to a Shropshire millionaire and his family before their home was destroyed in an arson attack.
Officers were still unable to get into the fire-ravaged Osbaston House in Maesbrook today as the remains of the property remained unsafe.
Chris Foster, 50, his 49-year-old wife Jill and their daughter Kirstie, 15, were still unaccounted for today.
Detectives were today quizzing anybody who knew the Foster family in a bid to build up a picture of the family’s movements in the hours before the blaze. They enjoyed a barbecue on Monday night before it is believed they returned to their home near Oswestry.
The lifestyle and business dealings of Mr Foster are also believed to be part of the investigation after a High Court judge branded the businessman “bereft of the basics of commercial morality” months before the fire.
A one-mile police cordon remained around the £1.15 million property, which is protected by electric gates at the bottom of a long drive.
Detectives from West Mercia police major investigation unit have been brought in to lead the investigation, codenamed Operation Feedback, along with about 80 other officers.
Today Maria Hawkaluk, West Mercia Police spokeswoman, said: “Fire crews remain at the scene and are still damping the property down. Nobody has yet been inside and will not do so until it is deemed safe.
“Clearly we will be talking to a number of potential witnesses as people who may have information could help the inquiry.”
Following reports Mr Foster had received threats prior to the blaze, she said: “Shropshire police division has no record of Mr Foster asking for any police protection.”
People in the Maesbrook and Knockin community today said they were hoping the family would return home safe.
Resident Jill Hughes said: “I don’t know the family, but this is a very close-knit community and everyone is hoping the family is safe.”
See also: Foster’s work morals questioned
Previous owners’ shock at blaze
Devastation at mansion hit by blaze
Ex-neighbours tell of family’s life in village
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