Mrs Foster died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head and a murder investigation has been launched.

The second body is said to be that of an adult man but has not been formally identified, police said.

Superintendent Gary Higgins, of West Mercia Constabulary, said:

"We are certain that one of the bodies is that of Jill Foster and the other is believed to be that of a man."

"The post-mortem examination did show that Jill died from a gunshot wound to the head. Further tests are needed to try and establish a cause of death for the other body.

"The two bodies were found close to one another and the body of another dog found nearby.

"The dog has also been subject of a post-mortem examination, which revealed it too had been shot.

"Three horses and three dogs found in the outhouses had also been shot.

"Further tests are needed to establish whether the rifle found was the one used in the murder and to kill the animals."

Police said dental records were used to identify Mrs Foster's body.

A rifle was recovered near the two bodies which has been identified as a .22 rim fire rifle which was legitimately owned by Christopher Foster.

Supt Higgins said further tests were needed before it could be established whether the rifle was the murder weapon.

Police said spent and unspent gun cartridges were found scattered around the grounds of the property.

Supt Higgins said search teams had been forced to withdraw from the main part of the house last night for safety reasons.

"Concerns were raised for the safety of those in the building and the walls of the house had begun to lean in towards where search and forensic teams were working," he said.

It is hoped the search will be resumed today, police said.

Supt Higgins said it may take several days, or even weeks, to complete the examination of the house.

Detective Superintendent Jon Groves, of the force's Major Investigation Unit, who is leading the investigation, said:

"Although this is now being treated as a murder, we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances leading up to the incident.

"There has been a lot of speculation in some sections of the media, which is not helpful to our inquiry.

"Police continue to work around the clock to establish the facts on what happened at Osbaston House that morning and our thoughts remain with the families of Chris, Jill and Kirstie Foster."