Newly released WhatsApp messages reveal that former MP Ann Widdecombe suddenly stopped replying to a TV producer just minutes before police believe she was bludgeoned to death in her own home on Dartmoor.
Last Contact with TV Producers
The messages, obtained by ITV News, show Widdecombe was in regular contact with a producer from Channel 5's Matt Allwright show on Wednesday afternoon. Between 12.14pm and 12.19pm, they discussed her scheduled appearance. At 12.19pm, Widdecombe sent her final message: "Received! Panic over!!" after receiving a Zoom link.
WhatsApp read receipts indicate Widdecombe read a response sent at 12.19pm but did not read subsequent messages. The producer sent a first follow-up at 12.48pm and attempted several calls with no answer. At 12.55pm, the producer asked: "Hi Ann is everything ok?"
Missed TV Appearance
At 1.27pm, Matt Allwright confirmed live on his show that Widdecombe was scheduled as a guest but had not appeared. The production team contacted Widdecombe's agent on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning to check on her welfare. All WhatsApp messages have been passed to police, ITV confirmed.
Discovery of Body
Devon and Cornwall Police stated on Saturday that Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday. She was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11.40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries. Widdecombe had earlier appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning discussing the Clacton by-election.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was released from custody on Saturday and is no longer a suspect. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: "Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male." The investigation remains ongoing.
