Maesbrook residents today spoke of their sorrow and shock after two bodies were found at the fire-ravaged home of millionaire Christopher Foster.Detectives have not yet revealed the identity of the bodies, which were discovered at the £1.15 million home, Osbaston House, during the night.

Mr Foster, 50, his wife Jill, 49, and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie have been missing since the blaze broke out at their home in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Reverend Ruth Shoreman, who covers Maesbrook Methodist Chapel, expressed her concern for the family tragedy.

She said: “The only thing I can say is our thoughts and prayers are with those who loved them.”

Christine Jones, a pastoral assistant at the chapel, added prayers would be said for the Foster family at a church service tomorrow.

“I was hoping they would not be found in the house. We are having a service at the chapel tomorrow. We are going to say some prayers for them and for the police and firefighters who are working there.

“This has been a hard time for the community,” she said.

A neighbour who did not wish to be named was deeply shocked by the news this morning that two bodies had been found at Osbaston House.

She said: “We knew it was always an option but that has shocked me, it has made me feel quite sick and sad, it’s awful, dreadful.

“It’s quite unbelievable, this is Maesbrook, this sort of thing doesn’t happen here”.

Ann Parr, from the Black Horse Pub in Maesbrook, said: “I don’t think anyone will be shocked. I think a lot of people thought they were in there, but probably all three of them.

“I think we all think these sorts of things happen somewhere else but never to you, but they do. It’s a shame, it’s a tragedy.”

See also:

Two bodies found in blaze house

Kirstie ‘on net’ before blaze

Businessman ‘risked losing £1m home’

Forensics team’s grim search

Latest search pictures

Inside Osbaston Hall before the blaze

Scene of the mansion blaze