Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that the suspected attack on former MP Ann Widdecombe took place approximately 24 hours before her body was discovered. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning, July 9.
Timeline of Events
In a statement released on Saturday, police said: 'We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm.' Officers were called to Widdecombe's home at approximately 11:40am on Thursday by the ambulance service after she was found with serious injuries. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Arrest and Release
A 26-year-old white British male was arrested on Friday at an address in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder. However, he was released from custody on Saturday morning and is no longer considered a suspect in the investigation. Police have not named any other suspects but say enquiries are 'moving at pace' for a suspect believed to be a white male.
Investigation Details
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the case is 'not being treated as terrorism' and there is 'no information' at this time to suggest it was a 'politically-motivated crime'. He added that the investigation is moving at a 'significant pace' and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Final Public Appearance
Widdecombe made her final public appearance on Wednesday morning, appearing on TalkTV to discuss her party leader, Nigel Farage. She was also scheduled to be interviewed on Matt Allwright's show on Channel 5 later that day. According to ITV, a researcher attempting to contact Widdecombe received her last message at 12:19pm. Subsequent messages asking her to join a Zoom link for the interview went unanswered.
Tributes and Background
Forensic officers have been seen at her property in Haytor, and locals attended Mass at Buckfast Abbey on Saturday to pay tribute to Widdecombe, a frequent visitor there. Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010, holding ministerial positions under Sir John Major. After leaving the Commons, she appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, reaching the semi-finals. She later joined Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in 2019, serving as an MEP for South West England, and became an immigration and justice spokeswoman for Reform UK.
