Father's murderous rampage

CCTV footage has helped to resolve the "mystery of the burnt mansion", a grisly case that has transfixed London for close to a week as the story of the millionaire businessman who could not face losing his luxury lifestyle emerged into the public arena.

Foster is believed by police to have embarked on an hour-long spree of murderous violence, shooting his wife, going to his daughter's bedroom and murdering her, then, one by one, killing the family's three horses and four dogs before setting fire to the mansion and killing himself.

Police have now revealed that the footage suggests Foster was well aware that his security cameras were rolling and is seen holding his gun as he stalked his house and the barns and sheds around the #1.2 million ($A2.5 million) property, Osbaston House, in leafy Shropshire.

The cameras, placed around the house, somehow escaped the flames, and police suggested that Foster may have deliberately left the tape running to record the fire, at one stage even gesticulating at the cameras in defiance.

The horror spree began in the early hours of August 26. Foster is seen driving a horse float to the mansion's gates before he emerges from a car to shoot the tyres, ensuring that emergency vehicles would have problems entering the property.

London newspapers report that detectives now believe Foster suffered a breakdown as he faced bankruptcy, with business debts of close to #2 million, choosing to murder his family and destroy the family home rather than handing it over to his creditors.

The crime has particularly shocked Britain - and the local community - as Foster, his wife and 15-year-old daughter had spent the evening at a friend's barbecue, where he was described as being relaxed and happy.

But after they returned home just before 1am, all hell broke loose. While the teenage daughter, Kirstie, sat online talking to friends, Foster probably stayed awake, his anxiety escalating. His wife, 48, is believed to have gone to bed.

By dawn, all were dead, followed by the four dogs and the family's three horses. The horsebox was parked and petrol sprayed throughout the house and stables.

Foster then returned to the body of his wife, and killed himself about 4.45am.

Neighbours called emergency services about five minutes later, when the cars in the garage began to explode.

Friends have been quoted in London newspapers this week suggesting that Foster may not have been able to cope with losing the house and his ostentatious lifestyle.

No suicide note or letter of explanation has been found, and police will study surviving computers, emails and telephone records while toxicology tests may show whether he was drunk or under the influence of drugs.

TIMELINE OF TRAGEDY

? August 26, 12.50am (approx) The Fosters arrive home after attending a friend's barbecue.

? 1am Kirstie Foster chats to friends online.

? 1am to 4am Jill and Kirstie Foster thought to have gone to bed.

? 4am to 4.45am (approx) Christopher Foster shoots his wife and daughter with a .22 calibre rifle, then kills the family's horses and dogs.

? 4.45am Foster pours petrol or another accelerant around the stables, garage and outbuildings, then sets them alight. He returns to the main house, sets fire to it and shoots himself.

? 4.50am Neighbours alert fire crews after being woken by the sound of petrol tanks exploding.

? August 29 Bodies of Christopher and Jill Foster are recovered.

? August 31 Body thought to be Kirstie Foster is found.

? September 2 Police are confident Christopher Foster murdered his family before killing himself.