Ann Widdecombe’s death announced
Former Conservative politician Ann Widdecombe’s death was announced by her management on the morning of Friday, July 10.
Their statement read: ‘It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.
‘We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.’
Murder probe launched
Then, on Friday evening, it was confirmed that an investigation had been launched into possible foul play after the ex-MP’s body was found ‘covered in blood from sustaining a serious head wound’ at her Dartmoor home in Devon on Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: ‘Police officers were called to an address at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11:40am on Thursday, 9 July.
‘Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries.
‘Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
‘Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.’
A manhunt for a white male was launched as the investigation began moving at a ‘significant pace’.
Arrest made
During a media conference on Friday evening, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that a 26-year-old male suspect, a white British national, is now in custody after being arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, a short drive away from Widdecombe’s residence.
He added in an evening press conference that while police presence is heightened in the area where Widdecombe lived and while the force has ‘consulted counter-terrorism policing’, the death of the ex-Strictly star is not being treated as terror-related.
Too early to comment on motive
Longman explained that investigators remain ‘open-minded’, but it is ‘too early to comment further’ on whether the suspect was known to the victim.
Asked whether the incident could have had political motivations, he repeated his prior response, adding: ‘At this time, I have got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.’
Similarly, outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it is vital to ‘rise above any political differences’.
Asked whether he believes Widdecombe’s possible murder could have been politically motivated, he responded: ‘It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case.’
Widdecombe’s management speaks out
Following the news of the murder investigation, Cloud9 Management said they are ‘absolutely devastated’ after ‘a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours’.
‘We fully support the police in their investigations, and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.’
Local community ‘devastated’
Susan Coysh, Widdecombe’s neighbour, told the BBC: ‘I’m shocked. In this lovely setting where we live…’
‘I can’t see why anybody would want to hurt her… it hasn’t sunk in yet, actually,’ she said, describing Widdecombe as ‘a character and a lovely lady’.
She last saw Widdecombe at a petrol station 10 days ago. While ‘approachable’, she typically ‘kept to herself’.
Other neighbours said that Widdecombe had withdrawn from the local community in recent years.
Man seen arriving ‘in middle of the night’
Next door neighbour Peter Cornthwaite said Widdecombe was not known to have security or a secure garden at her home, called Widdecombe’s Rest. He referred to the area as ‘very quiet’, telling The Sun there is little crime.
He added that he saw a van arrive in the early hours of the morning on the day Widdecombe died.
The white man was dressed in hiking clothes.
Suspect released
The 26-year-old man arrested on Friday was released from custody on Saturday morning. Police confirmed he is no longer part of the investigation.
As the manhunt continues, Mr Longman said: ‘Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.’
Fresh details emerge
It has come to light that Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before she was found, officers believe.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘We believe the attack took place on Wednesday, 8 July, at around 12:30pm.
‘Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.’
Their theory ties in with the revelation that Widdecombe stopped responding to text messages at 12:19pm.
She had been due to appear via Zoom on a Channel 5 show but did not show. One producer repeatedly messaged her, asking if she was ‘OK’ and trying to call her, but the WhatsApps went unopened and unanswered.
Second suspect arrested after release of 26-year-old
A second suspect, a 28-year-old British national, is arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Friday evening, July 11.
Police provide an update on the investigation
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that the force is not looking for a second suspect, and there is no risk to the wider public.
