A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot dead in East Dorset.
Police were called at 3.03am on Sunday to reports that intruders had entered a house in Castlewood.
One of the occupants, a man in his 60s, was shot.
He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
A murder investigation has been launched by Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team.
The man's next of kin are aware and the coroner has been notified.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Derbyshire said: "At this stage we are still trying to establish exactly what happened at the address in Castlewood and how and why this man was shot dead.
"I am appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area, or was in the area at that time, to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible
"There will be a heavy police presence in the vicinity and officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out high visibility patrols to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns."