Four people have now 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.

On Wednesday evening, it was announced that a fourth person - a 40-year-old man from Blandford - is also under arrest on suspicion of murder and aggravated burglary.

Police say the man was arrested after he attended Bournemouth Police Station.

Superintendent Kevin Connolly, of Dorset Police, said: “In total four arrests have now been made.

“However, our enquiries still continue and our appeal still stands for anyone with information that could aid us to come forward.

"This is the case for anything relating to suspicious activity after 3am on Sunday, April 30 2017 in the Verney Close area of West Howe and in Winterborne Stickland, as well as information about anyone acting unusually in Castlewood in the days or hours leading up to Guy Hedger being killed.

“We would like to thank everyone who has contacted us already. The support we have received from the public has been encouraging.”

All four people are currently being questioned by detectives.

The first three arrests were made 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 as part of the investigation.

Police first raided the Verney Close property on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers with guns and riot gear stormed the end-of-terrace house at 3pm. A ram was used to break down the door.

The entire close has been cordoned off as police continue their investigations.

One neighbour living close to the cordon said: “It’s really scary. I know there’s been some trouble there before but nothing like this.

“It makes me want to move away.”

Neighbours at Downfield, Winterborne Stickland, told the Echo armed police flooded the quiet cul-de-sac around 3pm on Tuesday.

A semi-detached house, understood to be home of one of the trio arrested, remains under police guard.

Resident Jeff Bain said: “I’d just come back from shopping, just pulled up in front in the car.

“I was just about to get out when an unmarked car pulled up and four police guys with guns got out.

“Then another one of their cars turned up as well, and another four armed guys got out.

“Literally, as I was getting out of my car they shouted ‘indoors, now’ and I just went inside.”

The devastated family of Mr Hedger have paid tribute to a “caring and compassionate partner, son, brother and uncle.” In a statement they added: “Guy will be sorely missed by family. friends and colleagues, but he will live in our hearts forever.We ask for time to grieve in private.”

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 Winterborne 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.