Foster inquests today

Thursday 2nd April 2009, 10:00AM BST.

The exact details of how Shropshire businessman Chris Foster killed his wife and daughter before turning their home into an inferno were being revealed for the first time today.

The final hours of Foster, his wife Jill and their daughter Kirstie, 15, were being examined as their full inquests got under way in Shrewsbury.

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The two-day hearing comes nearly eight months after the mother and daughter were killed at Osbaston House, Maesbrook, by Foster who then filled their £1.15 million home with an accelerant and killed himself inside.

Mr John Ellery, coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, is expected to be shown CCTV footage of Foster moving a vehicle and horsebox to the end of the drive in a bid to stop anyone coming to help. The images hold vital clues to what happened after the family returned from a neighbour’s barbecue in August.

The former Telford businessman’s financial problems will also be under the spotlight in a bid to establish what led to the tragedy. Relatives have said he was too ashamed to reveal his mounting debts.

Chris Foster’s mother Enid Foster and his brother Andrew arrived at the court at 9.15am today. Detective Superintendant Jon Groves who led the massive police inquiry is also present.

Witnesses will give evidence today on the forensic examination at Osbaston House along with toxicology evidence.

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