Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of 78-year-old politician Ann Widdecombe, and have arrested a ’26-year-old white British man’
Police who arrested a man on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe do not think her death is politically motivated.
The 78-year-old was found dead at her bungalow in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor, Devon on Thursday morning. The former Conservative MP, who later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokesperson, lived in the property alone. She was reportedly discovered by a carer covered in blood after sustaining at least one serious head wound.
Police have not confirmed the cause of death, which was announced this morning. A 26-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder and remains in police custody. He was detained in Newton Abbot, a town around 10 miles from the home of the tragic former Stricitly Come Dancing star.
Devon and Cornwall Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told a press conference earlier that there was “no information that this is a politically-motivated crime” and also confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related.
It has not been disclosed if anything was stolen during the attack, or if the killer had broken into the house or if they used a weapon.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation was moving quickly. DCI Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.”
Just over two hours later, the force confirmed they had arrested a suspect. Chief Constable Longman said the inquiry was “in its early stages” but “moving at significant pace”.
He added: “We are deploying all the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened. I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”
Police were called to the house in Haytor Vale, a village within the Dartmoor National Park, at about 11.40am on Thursday by the ambulance service. Ms Widdecombe, who lived alone, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
The former MP retired in 2001 and moved into her Devon home, which she called Widdecombe’s Rest, in 2008. Asked in 2013 if she was ever afraid of being attacked because she could easily be found, she said: “I am never scared, or lonely. I’m content.”
She said in the interview: “I’ve never gone in for the big gates and the electronics and all that nonsense. So, no, I mean, anybody could come in and steal a gnome. I would pick them up on my cameras so if anybody wants to steal a gnome they’d better mask up.”
She also said she did get death threats but would ignore them. She said: “I used to get death threats from time to time. We all did, and my staff would say, ‘shall we tell the police?’ And I’d say, ‘put it in the bin, because if the IRA are going to do it, they’re not going to tell you in advance, they’re just going to do it.’
“And I still take that attitude. I do know that we’re in a slightly different world. I do know that. But I think it’s crucial that MPs and their constituents intermingle freely.”