Three held over death of businessman Guy Hedger in botched burglary
Three people have been arrested in connection with the death of a businessman who was shot dead during a botched burglary.
Guy Hedger, 61, was killed in the early hours of April 30 after at least two intruders entered his £1 million 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 said the arrests were made on Tuesday in the Bournemouth area.
Properties in Winterborne Stickland near Blandford and in Verney Close in West Howe in Bournemouth are also being searched for evidence in relation to the investigation.
Superintendent Kevin Connolly 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 April 30 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.
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."
Mr Hedger was a director of the Avonbourne International and Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the Bournemouth area.
