Marine officers are searching a section of the River Stour in West Parley, Dorset, for the shotgun used to kill 61-year-old Guy Hedger. The businessman was shot dead at his home in Ashley, near Ringwood, in the early hours of 30 April after intruders reportedly broke in.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire of Dorset Police said: 'We received intelligence to suggest that the weapon would be in this area and by searching the river today we hope to recover it.' The search follows a £10,000 reward offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to the recovery of the firearm and jewellery stolen during the raid.
Three men have been charged with Mr Hedger's murder: Kevin Downton, 40, of Winterborne Stickland near Blandford; Jason Baccus, 41, and Scott Keeping, 44, both of Verney Close, Bournemouth. They are due at Winchester Crown Court to enter pleas. Helen Cooper, 40, from Poole, has been charged with assisting an offender.
Two other men, aged 45 and 39, were arrested in May on suspicion of conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary and have been released while inquiries continue.
