New arrest in 'botched burglary' shooting death

Detectives investigating the murder of a businessman shot dead during an alleged botched robbery have made a further arrest.

A 45-year-old man from Poole, Dorset, is being held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, Dorset Police said.

He is said to be helping officers with their inquiries.

Three men appeared at crown court accused of the killing on Tuesday, while a 40-year-old woman previously arrested has now been released under investigation, police said.

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.

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

Jason Baccus, 41, and Scott Keeping, 44, both of Verney Close, Bournemouth, along with Kevin Downton, 40, of Winterborne Stickland, near Blandford, appeared at Winchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Judge Keith Cutler set a date for the defendants to enter pleas to the charge of murder on July 26.

A potential trial date was also set for November 14.

The alarm was raised at 3.03am on April 30 when police received a call reporting Mr Hedger had been shot.

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

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

Mr Hedger's family paid tribute and 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.

"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 Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the Bournemouth area.