A £10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of a shotgun allegedly used during the murder of a businessman at his home.

Guy Hedger, 61, died after at least two intruders entered his £1 million home in Castlewood, Dorset in the early hours of April 30.

Three men, Jason Baccus, 41, and Scott Keeping, 44, both of Verney Close, Bournemouth, and Kevin Downton, 40, of Winterborne Stickland, near Blandford, have been charged with murdering the insurance executive, who died from gunshot wounds.

They are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court later this week.

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.

Crimestoppers is offering the reward for information leading to the recovery of the firearm as well as jewellery reportedly stolen during the incident.

Roger Critchell, from the charity, 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, 48, was also in the house at the time of the alleged incident.

Mr Hedger was a director of the Avonbourne International Business and Enterprise Trust, which runs colleges and a primary school in the Bournemouth area.

Mr Hedger-Cooper, a voluntary sector worker, 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."

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire, who is leading the investigation, said: "While three men have been charged with Guy's murder, our investigations continue including the recovery of the firearm and reported stolen items.

"The independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers has issued this £10,000 reward for information and I am very grateful for their support."

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The reward is valid until the end of October.