Three arrested over death of Dorset businessman in ‘botched burglary’

Two men and one woman – all in their forties – detained in connection with death of Guy Hedger, 61, who was killed when intruders entered his £1m home

Police are appealing to the public for any information relating to Guy Hedger’s death (PA)

Three people have been arrested in connection with the death of a businessman who was shot dead during what has been described as a botched burglary.

Guy Hedger, 61, was killed in the early hours of 30 April after at least two intruders entered his £1m home in Castlewood, Dorset.

Dorset Police said a 41-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and aggravated burglary.

A 44-year-old Bournemouth man and a 40-year-old Bournemouth woman have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary.

All three people are currently being questioned by detectives.

Police are appealing to the public for any information relating to Mr Hedger's death, including "suspicious activity" witnessed on Sunday morning in the Dorset village of Winterborne Stickland and the Bournemouth suburb of West Howe.

Properties in both locations are being searched for evidence in relation to the investigation.

Police presence on David's Lane in St Ives, Ringwood, near to where Guy Hedger was gunned down (PA) (Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)

Superintendent Kevin Connolly, of Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank the public for coming forward with information. We are very grateful for all the public support we have received.

“We have worked tirelessly on this investigation which still continues even though arrests have been made.

“Our appeal still stands for anyone with information that could aid our investigation to come forward as any small detail may be important.

“In particular, we are interested in any suspicious activity after 3am on Sunday 30 April 2017 in the Verney Close area of West Howe and in Winterborne Stickland.”

A post-mortem examination found Mr Hedger died as a consequence of gunshot wounds, the force said.

The alarm was raised at 3.03am on Sunday morning when police received a call reporting Mr Hedger had been shot with a shotgun.

The insurance executive was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital.

It is believed jewellery, including designer watches, was stolen from the address.

Mr Hedger's partner, Simon-Pierre Hedger-Cooper, 48, a voluntary sector worker, was also in the house at the time.

On Tuesday, Mr Hedger's family paid tribute to him.

'Guy was a caring and compassionate partner, son, brother and uncle who lived life to its full,' his family said (PA)

In a statement, they said: “Guy was a caring and compassionate partner, son, brother and uncle who lived life to its full and enriched the lives of all those who knew him.

“We are devastated that Guy's life has been cut short in this way.

“Guy will be sorely missed by family, friends and colleagues, but he will live in our hearts forever.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 30:53.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Additional reporting PA