Police investigating the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe have released a detailed timeline of her final hours, revealing she was likely attacked nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released from custody, and detectives are now hunting for a white male suspect.
Timeline of Events
Devon and Cornwall Police believe Widdecombe was attacked at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 12.30pm on Wednesday. Her body was found by a carer at 11.40am on Thursday, with serious injuries. A murder investigation was launched.
According to Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, police do not believe there is a wider risk to the public. “Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male,” he said.
Arrest and Release
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of murder but was released from custody on Saturday. Police confirmed he is no longer part of the investigation.
Key Details
A Channel 5 researcher reportedly received a message from Widdecombe at 12.19pm on Wednesday, before a scheduled interview at 1pm. The researcher followed up at 12.48pm to confirm the interview, but received no response. Officers were called to her home the following day.
Detectives have said there is no information to suggest the crime was politically motivated, and they appear to have ruled out terrorism.
Police Appeal
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. Detectives continue to carry out numerous inquiries as part of the ongoing investigation.” He appealed for anyone with information to come forward and urged the public not to speculate on social media, as it could harm the investigation and cause distress to Widdecombe’s family and friends.
Detailed Timeline
- Wednesday 12.19pm: Widdecombe reportedly sent a message to a Channel 5 producer about her upcoming appearance on the Matthew Allwright programme.
- Wednesday 12.48pm: The producer requested she join a Zoom meeting for a remote interview. She did not respond.
- Thursday 11.40am: Police were called after a carer discovered her body in the kitchen of her bungalow.
- Thursday 11.45am: Her family were informed of her death.
- Friday 7am: Her management announced her death.
- Friday 3.40pm: Police confirmed a murder investigation.
- Friday 5.20pm: A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
- Friday 5.40pm: Police launched a fresh appeal for information.
- Friday 5.45pm: Detectives said there was no information suggesting a politically motivated crime.
- Friday 8.30pm: A neighbour reported a man in hiking clothes turned up at Widdecombe's home in the middle of the night hours before her body was found.
- Saturday 6.30am: The arrested man was released from custody.
