Devon and Cornwall Police have issued a new statement regarding the murder of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson for Immigration and Justice. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor Vale on Dartmoor on Thursday morning, July 9, 2026, with serious head injuries. A murder enquiry was launched the same day.
Police Progress and Decision to Withhold Information
In their latest update, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that officers are making progress and pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. However, the force has made an "active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage." Longman stated that releasing such information prematurely "could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities."
The full statement from ACC Longman reads: "I want to start with expressing my thanks to the local community and to the people who have come forward so far with their information. We have been working at pace on this investigation. Officers are making progress and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage. Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities. The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation. I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media. If you have any relevant information and have not yet reported, please do so via the major incident public portal. Our thoughts remain with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this sad time. They continue to be supported by specialist officers. We will provide updates as and when we are able to and thank you for your patience."
Arrest and Suspect Search
Earlier today, police announced that a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder had been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation. The search for a suspect, believed to be a white male, continues. Police also revealed that Ms Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12:30 pm, the day before her body was found. A large police presence remains in the small village of Haytor Vale, with a cordon still in place and forensic evidence being gathered, according to the BBC.
Ms Widdecombe's last media appearance was on the morning of the attack, when she appeared on a live broadcast on Talk TV to discuss Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling a by-election in Clacton. She served as the Conservative MP for Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 to 2010, and later became a prominent figure in the Brexit Party and Reform UK.
