Search for missing millionaire family 'could take days' as police finally enter burnt-out mansion

Police finally entered the burnt-out mansion of tycoon Christopher Foster for the first time today - but said it could be 'days' before the owners are located. (Daily Mail 29th August 2008)

Officers moved into the family's £1.2million country house but there was no sign of the family, who are feared to have died in the blaze.

The move came as it was revealed that, along with the £1.2million country house, the 50-year-old had owned a string of prestige cars - a Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Range Rover.

But by the time a fire - started deliberately in three places - ripped through the house early on Tuesday morning, Mr Foster's success was nothing but a facade.

Today police said that 'every possible scenario' behind the fire was being considered and they were following up all possible lines of inquiry.

West Mercia Police Superintendent Gary Higgins said: "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."

Meanwhile police are developing profiles for all three family members.

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

Foster's business, which owed more than £1million to creditors and £800,000 in tax, had collapsed and he was forbidden to sell the house without permission of the liquidator, it emerged today.