Mother's grief after family deaths

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In a short statement issued by West Mercia Police, Enid Foster twice said she could not condone the actions of her son, who killed his wife and daughter before taking his own life at their mansion in Maesbrook, Shropshire.

Mrs Foster, who lives in south Shropshire, said her son had talked to no-one about his financial troubles and may not have been able to face telling his family that they were to lose their home.

In the statement Mrs Foster, who is thought to aged 78, also paid tribute to her "beautiful" granddaughter Kirstie, 15, and said she was finding it hard to understand how Mr Foster could have done what he did.

Mrs Foster said: "I can't condone what he's done, but I've lost a dearly-loved son, daughter-in-law and beautiful granddaughter. He talked to nobody, we knew nothing about his financial situation and it's come as a tremendous shock.

"So many of his friends have told me that, had they known, they would have helped him however they could. They were a very close, loving family unit and I don't think he could face telling them they were going to lose everything, but I am in no way condoning what he's done. It's very hard."

Mrs Foster also recalled how Kirstie had "absolutely loved" her horses and was an excellent rider. Mrs Foster, who has another son, Andrew, concluded her statement by saying: "Life will never be the same without them. We're finding it very difficult to come to terms with."

The West Mercia force, which is not looking for anyone else in connection with last month's deaths, also released a statement on behalf of Jill Foster's brother.

Roger Doley, of Perton, near Wolverhampton, West Midlands, said he was devastated at the loss of his sister and his niece, Kirstie.

Police confirmed earlier this week that they believed Mr Foster, 50, committed suicide after killing Kirstie and his wife Jill and setting fire to their £1.2 million home and its outbuildings. Mrs Foster, 49, was shot in the head, while the cause of Kirstie's death has yet to be established.