A REWARD of up to £10,000 is being offered for information leading to the recovery of a gun used during the alleged murder of businessman Guy Hedger near Ringwood and jewellery reportedly stolen during the incident.

The reward is being offered by charity Crimestoppers.

Mr Hedger, 61, was killed in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, April 30 at his home in Castlewood when he was shot after intruders reportedly entered his home.

Local police received a call just after 3am reporting Mr Hedger had been shot with a shotgun. He was later pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital.

A number of items were also reportedly taken during the incident, some of them with significant sentimental value.

Kevin Downton, who is 40 and from Winterborne Stickland near Blandford, 41-year-old Jason Baccus and 44-year-old Scott Keeping, both of Verney Close in Bournemouth, are all charged with murder.

They are next appearing at Winchester Crown Court today (Wednesday).

A 39-year-old Bournemouth man, 40-year-old Bournemouth woman and 45-year-old Poole man previously arrested in relation to the incident have been released under investigation.

Roger Critchell, the director of operations for Crimestoppers, said: “This incident has seen an innocent man lose his life in the one place he should feel safe and secure, his home.

“The weapon reportedly used is still out there and I am asking local people to give anonymous information to our charity that leads to its recovery, along with the sentimental items Guy’s family have reportedly had taken. Your identity will never be revealed, because we never ask who you are.”

Guy’s husband Simon-Pierre Hedger-Cooper said: “Many of the items taken from our home hold great sentimental value and are very important to me. I am grateful to Crimestoppers for issuing this reward for the safe return of these items. Those of particular importance are our diamond wedding rings, an emerald and diamond ring and a diamond Cartier watch, which were anniversary presents, and a black onyx ring, which was given to me by my mother.”

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “While three men have been charged with Guy’s murder, our investigations continue including the recovery of the firearm and reported stolen items.

“The independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has issued this £10,000 reward for information and I am very grateful for their support.

“I’d like to remind the public that Crimestoppers is independent to the police and any information given to them remains anonymous.”

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.