Former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her Dartmoor bungalow with catastrophic head injuries, reportedly in a pool of blood. Police are hunting a suspect captured on CCTV after the attack, which occurred in her kitchen.
Details of the Attack
According to reports, Widdecombe suffered severe blunt-force trauma consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object. The level of violence has shocked investigators and the public. A source close to the family expressed a heartbreaking belief that she may have spent her final moments in 'abject terror'.
Discovery of the Body
Concerns were raised when Widdecombe failed to appear for a scheduled television engagement. A gardener and a neighbour went to her property to check on her welfare and made the grim discovery, The Daily Telegraph reported. There was no sign of forced entry, suggesting she was taken by surprise or went to investigate a routine noise, according to the BBC.
Police Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the address in Haytor, Dartmoor, at around 11:40 am on Thursday, July 9. They confirmed: '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.
Suspect and Arrest
A 26-year-old British man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but was fully cleared and released. Police are now searching for a suspect described as a 'white male', believed to have been captured on CCTV. The case is being treated as an active hunt for a dangerous offender.
