Guy Hedger named as man shot dead by Dorset intruders Published duration 30 April 2017

image copyright Dorset Police image caption Guy Hedger was one of two people in the property

A man shot dead at a house in East Dorset has been named.

Guy Hedger, 61, died in hospital after he was shot by intruders who entered a house in Ashley, Dorset, close to Ringwood, Hampshire, just after 03:00 BST on Sunday.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation.

They said a second person in the property was "deeply affected by the incident" and being supported by specially-trained officers.

Mr Hedger's next-of-kin are aware, a Dorset Police spokesman added.

image caption The shooting happened at a house in Castlewood, a cul-de-sac off David's Lane, Ashley - which is close to Ringwood in Hampshire

Det Ch Insp 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 and how and why the victim was shot dead.

"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. They can be contacted with any concerns."

Mr Hedger is listed as a director at Avonbourne International and Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the Bournemouth area.