Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Concerns arose after she missed a scheduled television interview on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a welfare check.
Arrest and Release of Suspect
A 26-year-old male was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday in connection with the death. However, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday that the man has been released from custody and is no longer a suspect in the investigation.
Investigation Details
Detectives are treating the case as a murder inquiry but remain open-minded about the motive. Authorities have stated that the investigation is not being treated as terrorism, and there is currently no evidence of a politically motivated crime. Police are deploying significant resources and emphasize the probe is moving at a considerable pace.
Appeal for Information
Devon and Cornwall Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to contact the Major Incident Public Portal or Crimestoppers. A neighbour reported seeing a suspicious van and a white British man wearing hiking clothes in the area during the early hours before the murder investigation was launched at her Haytor home.
