Three people have been arrested in connection with the murder of Guy Hedger.

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.

Officers made the arrests on Tuesday, May 2, in the Bournemouth area.

Properties in Winterborne Stickland near Blandford and in Verney Close in West Howe are also being searched for evidence in relation to the investigation.

Guy Hedger was killed in the early hours of Sunday morning in his home in Castlewood in Ringwood.

The post-mortem examination found he died as a consequence of gunshot wounds.

Superintendent Kevin Connolly, of Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank the public for coming forward with information. We are very grateful for the 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, April 30, in the Verney Close area of West Howe and in Winterbourne Stickland.”

Police remain at the scene of the fatal shooting today.

Mr Hedger, 61, was killed at his property in Castlewood near St Ives, Ringwood, by raiders who broke in shortly after 3am on Sunday.

Forensics officers continue to examine the scene, with a cordon still in place at the property.

Another resident said he was shocked by what had taken place, and the first he knew of anything was when he saw police activity in the area on Sunday morning.

"Police were searching all of the hedges up and down the road," he added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, 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.