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August 30, 2008

Police are now searching the charred ruins of Osbaston house for the missing Foster family as other inquiries continue, including post mortems on their horses.

The family's house in Maesbrook and outbuildings were badly damaged by fire earlier this week. Their three horses were found dead in their burnt stables, although some media report that the animals were shot. Their dogs were also dead.

British police say the the Foster family remains unaccounted for. It is not known if Chris Foster, his wife Jill and their teenage daughter Kirstie were in the property when the fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday.

Superintendent Gary Higgins said: "The horses found dead at the scene have been examined and post mortems on them were completed yesterday. We are still awaiting the results of those examinations. The bodies of three dogs were also found close to the horses."

A large horse box which was parked close to the gates of the property has been removed from the site for forensic examination. Police dogs also helped to search the site earlier this week.

"Officers have completed a search of the outbuildings and are now in the process of removing vehicles from the site. We have completed a cursory search of the annexe part of the main building which is relatively intact following the fire.

Mr Higgins said the house search would be lengthy and painstaking, with specialist forensic staff sifting and examining all the contents.

"There is extensive debris at the site and it will take some days, possibly several weeks, to complete this part of the investigation. We will be seeking to build up a picture of the circumstances leading up to the fire."

Every possible scenario for what happened is being considered and police are following up all possible lines of inquiry.

Profiles are being developed on all three family members to assist the enquiry.

Police confirm the fire is beng treated as arson. It broke out at about 4am, quickly engulfing the house, stable block and garage area.

"I'm aware," said Mr Higgien, "there is a lot of speculation concerning this incident and we are anxious to clarify the exact circumstances as soon as possible.

"However, I stress this will be a lengthy process and we would ask for the support and cooperation of the local community while we continue to work at the scene.

"Nearly 100 officers and support staff are continuing to work round the clock and more information will be released publicly as it becomes available."

Meanwhile, Brendan Wignall, the headmaster of Ellesmere College, where Kirstie is a pupil, said: "We are very concerned for the safety of Kirstie and her family, who are in our thoughts and prayers.

"Kirstie is a charming, popular and hard-working girl with many friends, all of whom are hoping that she and her family will be found safe and well."

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