Police say it could take months to unravel all the circumstances surrounding the massacre at Osbaston House, where it is believed Christopher Foster shot his family, as well as their pet horses and dogs, before turning the gun on himself.
Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, the senior investigating officer, yesterday disclosed that the investigation team in Shropshire are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.
Two of the bodies have been identified as Christopher Foster and his wife Mrs Jill Foster. It's believed the third body is that of their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie although no formal identification has yet taken place.
Det. Supt Groves said it's believed Christopher Foster killed his wife and daughter before setting the fires which destroyed their home, Osbaston House, at Maesbrook, along with many of its outbuildings, during the early hours of August 26.
Three shot horses were found in one of the burnt outbuildings.
He said today it was likely to be early next week before police could confirm whether the third body is Kirstie. "The post mortem examination has been carried out but we are having to conduct additional tests and it will be several days before the results are known.
"We are also having to carry out further tests with regard to establishing the cause of death with Christopher Foster and the body we believe to be Kirstie. It will be sometime into next week, and possibly longer, before we have those results."
A post mortem has already established Mrs Foster died from a gunshot to the head.
Ballistic tests are being conducted on the rifle recovered from the house on Friday to establish whether it is the murder weapon. These also will take some days to complete.
Det. Supt. Groves said police investigations would take several months to complete. "A full report is being prepared on all the circumstances for Mr John Ellery, the coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, who, in due course will hold a full inquest.
"We released as much detail as we are able at yesterday's press conference and it is unlikely we will be expanding further. The full circumstances of this tragic incident will be investigated for the inquest and I am not prepared to comment on speculation and fabrication in advance of the hearing."
Superintendent Gary Higgins said today: "This has been an extremely traumatic time for the families and friends of the three people involved. Our thoughts are with them and I hope they will be left in peace to grieve.
"It has also been a difficult time for the local community, especially those who live in the immediate area of Osbaston House. We very much appreciate the support and co-operation received from the local residents during the past week.
"We will be continuing our work at the scene for at least several more days and possibly longer and the lane leading past the house will remain closed for the time being. However, the investigation team will endeavour to complete their work as quickly as possible and attempt to keep any inconvenience caused to a minimum."
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