THE mother of a Burnley-born millionaire who killed his wife and daughter before shooting himself has spoken of her grief and shock Enid Foster, who had lived in Red Lees Road, Mereclough, Cliviger, before moving away from the area, said she could not condone the actions of her son, Christopher.

Mrs Foster said her son had talked to no-one about his financial troubles and may not have been able to face telling his wife, Jill, and daughter, Kirstie, that they were to lose their mansion in Maesbrook, Shropshire..

In a statement released by West Mercia Police, Mrs Foster, who is thought to aged 78, also paid tribute to her “beautiful” granddaughter Kirstie, 15.

Mrs Foster, who lives in Shropshire, 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.

”Kirstie was just a lovely girl,” she said. “Kirstie took part in the Berriew Show the weekend before. Her last ever show and she got first place in the championship.”

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.”

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.

Mr Foster was born at Bank Hall Hospital in Burnley on July 9 1958. His father Geoffrey, who is believed to have died, is listed as a salesman for a manufacturing chemists on his birth certificate. His younger brother, Andrew, was also born in Burnley.