A REWARD of up to £10,000 is being offered for information which leads investigators to the gun used in the alleged murder of Guy Hedger.

Businessman Mr Hedger, 61, was killed in the early hours of the morning on Sunday, April 30, at his home in Castlewood, Ringwood.

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

Now Crimestoppers, a charity independent of the police to which crimes can be reported anonymously, is offering to reward information which leads to the recovery of the firearm, and also items of jewellery allegedly stolen during the incident.

Roger Critchell, the charity’s director of operations, 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.”

Mr Hedger’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.”

Dorset Police has welcomed the appeal. Senior investigating officer DCI Sarah Derbyshire said: “What is great about Crimestoppers is that it is totally independent to the police, people can give information without giving names or details at all.

"They have a special way of reimbursing people for the information.

"Of course, somebody is going to know where the firearm is and somebody is going to have taken receipt of those items of jewellery, whether they are storing it or whether they have purchased it.

"Please get in touch with Crimestoppers, the identity of the caller will be kept anonymous and certainly won’t be told to me or the police investigation."

Kevin Downton, 40, from Winterborne Stickland near Blandford, 41-year-old Jason Baccus and 44-year-old Scott Keeping, both of Verney Close, Bournemouth, are all charged with murder. They are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 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.

The reward is valid for three months and only applies to information passed to Crimestoppers, not to police.

If you have any information contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through an online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.