Hunt for jewel robbers as business chief is shot dead
BURGLARS who shot dead a businessman in a raid on his £1million home were on the run last night.
Police said the “ruthless” raiders had gone “prepared” to deal with any trouble.
Guy Hedger, 61, was killed when at least two masked intruders broke into his detached house in a quiet village in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Detectives said last night the raiders “had gone prepared to be confronted, wearing balaclavas and armed with a shotgun.
“Jewellery was stolen, which includes designer watches, and they fled the scene.”
Mr Hedger was pronounced dead in hospital soon after the incident.
The marketing executive shared his home with his husband Simon-Pierre HedgerCooper, 48, a voluntary sector worker who reportedly witnessed the killing.
The 3am shooting sparked a major police operation, including a helicopter search.
The house and surrounding area remain sealed off.
Tribute
Det Supt Kevin Connolly said of the killing in the village of St Ives, in Dorset near Ringwood: “This was a despicable crime, a targeted attack on the victim in his own home. “These men were ruthless. “The other person in the house was a witness to the event, tragically, and is highly traumatised by what’s happened.
“The major crime team are handling this very active and live investigation and there are lots of inquiries ongoing.”
The couple had moved to Dorset from Brighton five years ago.
A spokesman for insurance company LV=, where Mr Hedger worked, paid tribute to him and expressed sympathy for his family.
He said: “Guy was instrumental in building the LV brand and he will be sorely missed by many.
“Our heartfelt condolences and sympathy are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.”
Mr Hedger was also a director at Avonbourne International and Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the area.
Debbie Godfrey-Phaure of Avonbourne said: “Guy was a very kind and generous man who volunteered and gave his time freely to Avonbourne.
“As a Trust we benefited greatly from Guy’s lifetime experience of finance and marketing and we will always be grateful for the significant contributions he made.
“Guy had a deep passion for education and was dedicated to expanding the experience and knowledge of children in Bournemouth.”
Residents of St Ives spoke of their shock at the killing. Alex Barnes, 30, said: “We think it must have been planned, as the streetlights go off at 1am and then it’s pitch black.
“They obviously timed it for that window.
“The place is crawling with police. We don’t think they’ve found the murder weapon.”