Police Forensic Team commended over Osbaston House investigation
Five police forensic investigators have been commended for their work at a burnt-out Shropshire home where the bodies of three family members were recovered.
The investigators, members of the West Mercia Police forensic team, have been recognised for their “professionalism and dedication” in recovering the bodies of Christopher Foster, his wife Jill and their 15-year-old daughter Kirstie from the ruins of Osbaston House, Maesbrook, near Oswestry in August 2008.
Senior Forensic Investigator Paul Beeton, based at Shrewsbury police station, has received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his leadership and resilience as the Crime Scene Manager.
Forensic Investigators Kevin Furlong and Christopher Speake - based at Shrewsbury, together with Carol Cannell from Malinsgate police station, Telford and former West Mercia investigator Dominic Black - have been awarded Chief Superintendent’s Commendations.
The inquest into the family deaths, held in April 2009, found that Christopher Foster killed his wife and daughter before setting fire to their home and killing himself.
The large country house set in 16 acres of grounds, was destroyed in the blaze and the work of the forensic team played a major part in helping police determine the tragic circumstances.
In total, the five investigators spent 37 days in extremely hazardous conditions at the scene, going through 40 tonnes of rubble. For much of the time, they worked on their hands and knees, sifting through the debris.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Groves, the senior investigating officer at the time, said: “The tragic nature of this crime significantly affected the members of the team. They maintained their professionalism throughout the examination which resulted in the discovery of the remains of all the Foster family.
“This enabled positive identification of the bodies and of vital importance to other members of the family, the recovery of their loved ones”.
The commendation citations praise the forensic investigators for their attention to detail in sensitively processing the crime scene and documenting evidence, often under the gaze of the local, national and international media.
Both the senior investigating police officer and the coroner Mr John Ellery paid tribute to the team’s professionalism.
DCI Groves described their work as outstanding. “Without their dedication, commitment and experience, the job would have been much more difficult,” he added.
