A marketing executive was shot dead in front of his partner after at least two burglars, wearing balaclavas and armed with a shotgun, broke into their home to steal jewellery and designer watches.
Guy Hedger, 61, was fatally injured in the early hours of Sunday at the couple’s detached Dorset village home in what is believed to have been a planned burglary, police said.
Simon-Pierre Hedger-Cooper, 48, reportedly his husband of 12 years, is said to be “traumatised” and being supported by family and police.
Officers were called at 3.03am to the couple’s cul-de-sac home in Castlewood, St Ives, near Ringwood on the edge of the New Forest national park.
DS Kevin Connolly said the shooting, which took place inside the house, was witnessed by Hedger-Cooper, a voluntary sector worker.
“Items were stolen which were believed to be jewellery including designer watches. We believe it was pre-planned as we know they went to the house armed and with a shotgun.
“This was a despicable crime. Mr Hedger was a respected marketing manager who was targeted in his own home. We believe they knew this was a high-value property. Whether they knew of the victim or his partner we don’t know.”
He said of Hedger-Cooper: “He is a material witness and has witnessed some of the events. He is obviously traumatised by what happened and is being supported by family and family liaison officers.”
It was likely the burglars knew people could be at home when they broke in, he said. Extensive lines of inquiry are being followed and an appeal for help from the public has been made. “We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen anybody leaving the scene,” he said.
Richard Rowney, chief executive of the Liverpool Victoria (LV=) insurance company, said: “We were shocked to hear that Guy Hedger, our marketing and brand director, died over the weekend in tragic circumstances.
“An extremely talented marketer, 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.”
Police were called to reports that intruders had entered the house. On arrival, they discovered Hedger had been shot. He was taken to hospital, but died.
A major operation was launched and a police helicopter was sent to search the area. A heavy police presence was deployed and the property sealed off by investigators.
Sniffer dogs searched the house as police conducted door-to-door inquiries on Monday.
There was speculation the house, which was quite hidden, was deliberately targeted during a bank holiday and that intruders struck when they knew street lights would be off.
Alex Barnes, 30, a local resident, said:“We think it must have been planned, as the street lights go off at 1am and then it’s pitch black. They obviously timed it for that window.”
Hedger was also marketing director at the Avonbourne International Business and Enterprise Academy Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in Bournemouth.
Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, chief executive of the trust, described him as a “kind and generous man”.
She said: “Guy volunteered and gave his time freely to Avonbourne. As a trust we benefitted greatly from his 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. Everyone at the trust will miss his guiding hand, friendship and the wonderful service he provided us.”
DCI Sarah Derbyshire said: “We are still trying to establish a motive for the intruders and why this particular address in Castlewood was targeted. We believe there was an element of planning involved.
“We would urgently like to hear from anyone who may have seen people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area directly before or during the days leading up to the incident.
“This may have involved people in the area in general or paying particular attention to the specific house. Any small detail may help us with our investigation. Currently we do not believe the offenders were known to the victim, however we continue to investigate all lines of inquiry.
Hedger is believed to have bought the six-bedroom house with Hedger-Cooper five years ago, after the couple moved from Brighton, according to reports.
