Man shot dead by Dorset intruders named as Guy Hedger as two suspects hunted

A man shot dead by intruders at a house in Dorset has been named as 61-year-old Guy Hedger.

Officers were called to an address in the St Ives area of Ringwood in the early hours of Sunday to reports that "at least two" intruders had broken into the property.

"One of the occupants - named by detectives as 61-year-old Guy Hedger - was shot," a Dorset Police spokesman said.

"Officers attended the address and Guy was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead a short time later."

Police said a second person in the property at the time has been "deeply affected by the incident" and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Mr Hedger was marketing director at Avonbourne International and Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the Bournemouth area, and lived at the £1m home he shared with his partner, according to reports.

His next-of-kin have asked for privacy at a "deeply traumatic time", the spokesman added.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire said police do not believe Mr Hedger was known to the intruders, although all lines of inquiry are being pursued.

She said: "At this stage we are still trying to establish exactly what happened at the address in Castlewood and how and why the victim was shot dead.

"Currently we do not believe the offenders were known to the victim, however we continue to investigate all lines of inquiry.

"I am appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area, or was in the area at that time, to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

"There will be a heavy police presence in the vicinity and officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns."

:: Police have urged anyone with information to contact them at 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 30:53. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.