Two bodies have been found in the burnt-out Midland mansion of businessman Christopher Foster, police revealed today.

Mr Foster, his Wolverhampton-born wife Jill and their daughter Kirstie, 15, have been missing since the arson attack at their £1.2 million home on Monday.

The Fosters went to a friend’s barbecue on Monday before returning to their home, Osbaston House, later that evening.

A Home Office pathologist was today studying the remains of the bodies following the find at the house in Maesbrook, Oswestry. Post mortems were being carried out this afternoon.

Superintendent Gary Higgins, of West Mercia Police, said: “We can confirm that two bodies were recovered last night from the main part of the house.

“It is likely to take some days, possibly several weeks, to complete the examination and sifting of debris inside the building.

“It is going to be a painstaking and lengthy process before the full examination of the house and its surrounds is completed. In the meantime, we will keep an open mind concerning what we may, or may not find.”

He said it was not yet possible to give further details concerning the discovery. The coroner for Shropshire has been informed.

Sales executive Roger Doley, aged 60, the brother of 48-year-old Mrs Foster, and her sister Anne Giddings, 57, both live in Perton, near Wolverhampton. They were today being kept informed of events by police.

Mr Doley told the Express & Star he was “gripped with dread” about the family but both have declined to comment further.

Forensic teams were able to move into the main part of the house by mid-afternoon yesterday after access was delayed earlier in the day by falling debris. It is believed Kirstie may have been talking on-line to friends in the hours before the fire, which destroyed a stable block, garage and badly damaged the house itself. 

Three horses found dead at the scene have now been examined, with police awaiting the results. Detectives confirmed the bodies of three dogs were found close to the horses and said a large horse box parked close to the gates of the property has now been removed for forensic examination. 

Mr Foster, aged 50, who made his fortune developing insulation technology for oil rigs, was in financial trouble. Court documents show his company, Ulva Ltd, which had gone into liquidation, faced legal action and his house was at risk.

An 85-year-old neighbour who did not wish to be named, said she was shocked by discovery of the bodies. “It’s very upsetting,” she said.