Prayers said for arson attack family

|PIC1|Prayers have been said for the family of millionaire businessman Christopher Foster, after police launched a murder inquiry into the suspected arson attack on their Shropshire mansion last Tuesday.

One of three bodies discovered in the £1.25 million Osbaston House, near Oswestry, has been identified as Mr Foster's wife, Jill. A post mortem revealed she had suffered a gunshot wound to the head before the fire was started. Two more bodies have been discovered, although Christopher Foster and the couple's 15-year-old daughter, Kirstie, remain officially unaccounted for.

Around 40 people gathered at St John's Church in Maesbrook on Sunday for a special prayer meeting.

The Rev Prebendary David Austerberry told the congregation of his shock at events.

"It is hard to grasp what has happened," he said. "It will be some time before everything is revealed and clear. Today we pray for the Fosters, their family and friends who must be devastated by the events of last Tuesday morning."

Mr Austerberry said after the service: "A small community like this always supports each other and we will support each other and everyone who has been caught up in this.

"When we know what has happened perhaps there may be something more specific we can do. But at the moment all we can do is offer our prayers."

Police said that three horses and three dogs found in the outhouses of the Georgian manor had also been shot, as well as a dog found near the two bodies.

The fire broke out at around 5am last Tuesday. The mansion had been barricaded from the inside.