A white British man has been arrested after politician and TV personality Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead and with “serious injuries” inside her Devon home
The death of MP Ann Widdecombe sparked widespread shock when it was announced – which turned to astonishment when police later announced they had begun a murder investigation.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was found dead inside her Devon home on Thursday morning having suffered what were described as “serious injuries” by police, who later gave the time of her death as the day before.
On Saturday, police said a 28-year-old man had been arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murdering the Tory-turned-Reform UK politician. In a press conference the following day, Devon and Cornwall Police said there was “nothing to suggest it was politically motivated.”
They have since urged anyone with information to come forward. Here is everything we know so far about the investigation into Widdecombe’s death.
Where did Ann Widdecombe die?
Ann Widdecombe made an appearance on TalkTV from her home in Haytor on Wednesday morning, where she spoke about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the upcoming by-election in Clacton. Later the same day, a Channel 5 researcher spoke to her about setting up a video statement with her last message being received at 12:19pm.
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked 11 minutes later. Further messages were sent by the Channel 5 researcher, but Widdecombe did not respond.
On Thursday, Devon and Cornwall Police were alerted by the ambulance service who found her dead inside the home after the alarm was raised by person who called on her. Ms Widdecombe was described as having suffered serious injuries.
Murder investigation launched
Ms Widdecombe’s death was first reported on Friday morning. Statements from her management did not mention the circumstances of her death and contained no information about where or how she died.
Devon and Cornwall Police later shared a statement just before 4pm where they said a murder investigation had been launched into Ms Widdecombe’s death. Officers said there was no information that pointed to her death being a “politically motivated crime” and that there was nothing to suggest it was terror-related.
Ms Widdecombe’s management team shared a second statement shortly after the police announced the murder investigation had been launched. It said they were “absolutely devastated” by the development.
Police make arrests
Devon and Cornwall Police said on Friday afternoon a 26-year-old white British man had been arrested on suspicion of murder. Just before 6am on Saturday, police said the suspect had been released from custody and was no longer part of the investigation.
Officers said they were still searching for a white male who they wanted to speak with in connection with the investigation. Police announced they would not release more information, including the description of any potential subjects, adding this could “compromise ongoing enquiries.”
Just before midnight on Saturday, police said a white 28-year-old British man had been arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, by counter terror officers and South Yorkshire Police.
On Sunday, police told reporters there was nothing that would suggest the alleged murder was politically motivated. Officers added no one else was being sought in connection with Ms Widdecombe’s death.
Tributes and reactions to Ms Widdecombe’s death
Ms Widdecombe was a political titan who served as the MP for Maidstone, in Kent, for 23 years and had been a Home Office minister in then-Conservative Prime Minister John major’s government between 1994 and 1997. She went on to make an appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and was a outspoken supporter of Brexit ahead of the referendum in 2016.
She went on to join Reform UK and became a spokesperson for the party. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Ms Widdecombe and said her death showed for “people now in public life, especially in politics, the world is very much more dangerous than it’s ever been.”
Police urge people not to speculate
Devon and Cornwall assistant chief constable Matt Longman said amid the investigation that officers were not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder investigation.
He added: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful.
“It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Ms Widdecombe.”