Their dogs are also missing from their kennels and three horses were dead in their stable block, which was also destroyed by fire.

Some newspapers report that the horses may have been shot in their stables before the fire took hold.

Evidence suggested the dogs may also have been shot, with blood trails indicating they may have been pulled into the house before it was set alight.

The stables and kennels were consumed in separate fires to the house.

The early-morning blazes occurred on Tuesday but investigators have so far been unable to enter because of fears that the remains of the huge home near Maesbrook may collapse.

Missing are Christopher Foster, who is 50, his wife Jillian, aged 49, and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie.

Police do not yet know if the family was at home at the time of the blaze, which occurred at the end of a long holiday weekend.

Police have been preparing to watch closed circuit television footage from the estate in the hope it will give an indication whether the family was at home. The property, which has good security, was well alight when firefighters arrived.

Up to 80 police are understood to be involved in the inquiry.

The family enjoyed a wealthy lifestyle and Mr Foster is a company director. Their home, Osbaston House, is understood to be worth well in excess of a million pounds.

Newspapers in Britain have been awash with coverage of the case and have been delving into the business affairs of Mr Foster.