Tragedy is 'like scene from movie'

Villagers in Maesbrook have spoken of their shock at the news businessman Christopher Foster killed his wife and daughter before burning down his home and killing himself.

Residents said they could not figure out what had prompted the tycoon to go on his killing spree. Steve Parr, landlord of The Black Horse Inn in the village, said: "It's got to be something pretty desperate to do what he did.

"I cannot understand how a guy can look his own daughter in the eye and kill her. She's the innocent one."

The 53-year-old former funeral director said that the double murder was unbelievable.

"The father and daughter relationship is like a mother and son, it's something very special," he said.

"I just don't know how he could have done it."

Diane Bevell, who lives close to the Fosters in The Wood, said: "It's still a shock. It's a horrible thing to happen. I can't believe it really."It has been a horrendous week. We are so close to it.

"It has been really bad but they have kind of got closure now.

"I still can't get my head around it. I still can't believe something like this happened.

"It is so sad for the 15-year-old girl at the beginning of her life."

Ann Morris, from Halfway House, but who keeps horses in Maesbrook near Osbaston House, said: "I know police strongly believe it was him, but on the CCTV is there a picture of his face?

"I find it very hard to believe that is him. Even though they believe it, I just can't," she added.

"I can't believe he would kill his own daughter and wife.

"At the end of the day people mean more than money.

"It's one of those things that doesn't happen in your area.

"It's like a scene from a movie. I can't believe something like this can happen anywhere never mind to close to where you are."

Christine Jones, pastoral assistant for the Methodist Church in Maesbrook, said: "The whole thing is very sad.

"Our thoughts go to the family and to the youngsters of Ellesmere College who will have to come to terms with their sad loss.

"We will be praying for them in the days and weeks to come."

A number of local people have been visiting the scene to lay flowers.

Dave Hinton, from Pant, said he did not know the family but was prompted to offer a tribute because he is a father himself.

Mr Hinton said: "I have three daughters and to think that girl could be dead is terrible.

"It is an awful thing to happen and my wife Edna and I wanted to do something to show we are thinking about the young girl."

He said the words "so, so sad, rest in peace" had been written on the card with the floral tribute.

Another Maesbrook resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "A lot of people have been saying Foster was behind it.

"It's terrible but I think a lot of people thought it might have been him.

"There's been a lot on the news about his business and his background."

Another villager, who also declined to be named, said: "We don't know everything yet, but it turns your stomach to think someone could kill their own daughter rather than them face the shame of their money problems. Money isn't everything. How could he do it?"

And another Maesbrook resident said: "It's a relief the police seem to have found out what happened. It's a relief it seems to be all over."

By Iain St John and Suzanne Roberts

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