Foster creditors have until September to claim

Creditors of Christopher Foster, the Shropshire man who murdered his wife and daughter before setting fire to their luxury mansion, have until September to put in claims to his estate.

A notice has been published by the solicitors acting for the administrator of his estate – his brother Andrew Foster – calling on anyone having a claim against or an interest in the estate to come forward in the next two months.

Christopher Foster, 50, who was facing huge debts, killed his 15-year-old daughter, Kirstie, and his wife Jill, at the house in August 2008.

He then set fire to £1.15 million Osbaston House at Maesbrook, killing himself.

Foster also shot dead the family's pet dogs and horses in an act of violence which shocked the country.

The notice published by Sheffield solicitors Keeble Hawson, acting for the administrator, says any claims or interest must be lodged in writing by September 16.

The notice adds: "After which the administrator will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased amongst those persons entitled."

A spokeswoman for the solicitors said the notice was a statutory one that was published particularly when there were creditors to the estate.

Difficulties

She said a number had already come forward.

An inquest heard Foster was under huge pressure because of his financial difficulties and had spoken of suicidal thoughts.

Coroner John Ellery ruled Foster killed his wife and 15-year-old Kirstie, a keen horsewoman, by shooting them in the head before setting fire to their luxury home and killing himself.

Mr Ellery said there were lessons to be learned about the sharing of information between licensing authorities and GPs, as Foster's own doctor had no idea he owned a gun after confiding about feeling suicidal.

Kirstie's memory lives on through a special trophy which is presented at the annual Riding for the Disabled championships every year.

Receivers appointed by the bank which now owns Osbaston House, have been granted planning permission to build a new home on a different site in the grounds.

By Sue Austin