A murder investigation began today after one of two bodies found at the burnt-out Shropshire home of missing businessman Christopher Foster was identified as his wife, British police said.
A post-mortem examination revealed Jill Foster, who was identified through dental records, died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.
The second body, said to be an adult man, has not been formally identified and no cause of death had been established.
Superintendent Gary Higgins, of West Mercia Constabulary, said further tests will be carried out and added: “Clearly we will be seeking to establish whether it is the body of Christopher Foster.”
Mr Foster, Mrs Foster and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie were last seen at a friend’s barbecue on Monday before they returned home to Osbaston House that evening.
Supt Higgins said the two bodies were found close to one another and a rifle was found nearby.
A gun has been identified as a .22 rim fire rifle which was legitimately owned by Christopher Foster.
A dog found near the bodies died of a gunshot wound, a post-mortem examination revealed.
Three horses and three dogs found in outbuildings in the mansion’s grounds had also been shot dead.
Supt Higgins said: “Further tests are needed to establish whether the rifle found was the one used in the murder and to kill the animals.”
Spent and unspent gun cartridges were found scattered around the grounds of the property.
Search teams were forced to withdraw from the main part of the house last night due to fears the walls might collapse but the search was able to resume this afternoon.
Supt Higgins said it may take several days, or even weeks, to complete the examination of the house due to its size and the amount of debris inside.
Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, of the force’s Major Investigation Unit, is leading the inquiry, known as Operation Feedback.
“Although this is now being treated as a murder, we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances leading up to the incident,” he said.
It has been reported that Kirstie may have been talking online to friends before the fire took hold at around 4am. Police are examining the teenager’s computer.
Prayers were said for the family at St John’s church, Maesbrook, this morning.
Addressing the congregation, the Reverend Prebendary David Austerberry said: “The events which have unfolded in our village this week have bewildered and stunned every one of us, not only in this community but across the country.”
Court documents show that Mr Foster’s company, Ulva Ltd, which had gone into liquidation, faced legal action from one of its suppliers for thousands of pounds and also owed about £800,000 in tax.
A former business associate of Mr Foster said he feared the millionaire may have “just flipped because the pressure of it was too much for him”.
Accountant Terence Baines, a former director of Mr Foster’s company Ulva Ltd, said: “It’s anyone’s guess, but it seems that the people he owed money to are big companies and I can’t see them behind something like this.”