Murder of Ann Widdecombe Leaves Devon Village in Shock
Local residents near the Dartmoor home of former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe are demanding answers after her murder. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in her bungalow in the remote Devon village of Haytor Vale on Thursday. A 28-year-old man was arrested in Rotherham on Sunday on suspicion of murder. Police believe she had been dead for about 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Community Remembers a Reclusive but Friendly Neighbour
A local woman, 54, who wished to remain anonymous, described Widdecombe as reclusive but friendly. "She was quite reclusive when she was down here. This was her bolthole of normality if you like," she said. "You can have that peace and quiet, but you could also have that village life. She would always say hello to people - always had a chat."
Reform Devon county councillor Jacqueline Fry, 58, passed a bouquet of flowers to a police officer at a road block near Widdecombe's house, asking if he would lay them at the property. "I'm devastated. Absolutely devastated. She was such a strong lady," Fry said. "I met Ann on a couple of occasions, and I followed her since I was a little girl."
Local Leaders Express Devastation and Seek Answers
Cllr Fry added: "It is shocking for the whole community. Me and my colleagues from Reform on Devon County Council are deeply saddened by it, that somebody could do something so absolutely wicked." She noted that "everybody is feeling a little bit concerned" and that she has "received a lot of emails from people, just in disbelief."
Isabel Torry, 56, a self-employed cleaner and home helper who used to live in the area, said holding back tears: "It's absolutely tragic. She was a formidable woman. Forthright, respectful, kind, honest. An inspiration and old school." Regarding reports of limited security at Widdecombe's home, Torry added: "She was a religious woman [and] probably had faith in God, maybe naively, [and] didn't think she needed security. We shouldn't have to live like this. It's not like living in London, you're tucked away down here living a lovely life. It's like living in a bubble down here."
Memorial Held as Police Confirm No Further Suspects
Reform Plymouth city councillor Chris Sharpe, 39, said his "heart sank" when he heard about the police investigation. "It's terrible… we just want to know [what's happened] really. We want answers don't we; we want to know what's gone on."
Brenda Brooks, 82, a retired antique and old book seller from Torquay, attended a memorial held for Widdecombe on crutches, holding flowers and a Union Flag. She also wore a Reform UK cap. Brooks, who last met Widdecombe on St George's Day in April, said she had a "terrific sense of humour." "I couldn't see her dying in her sleep, because she was absolutely full of everything," she added. "I just hoped that she'd died in her sleep. But when I found out what had happened, I cried, because nobody should die like that." When asked if Widdecombe should have had more security, Brooks said: "Well, when is it enough?"
A 55-year-old man, a village resident all his life, who wished to remain nameless, said everyone is shocked as there is "very little crime normally" in the area. He saw Ann at a local flower show and in the village shop. She kept herself to herself, he added.
Police Investigation Ongoing, Motive Unknown
Police investigating the alleged murder have said they "are not looking for anyone else" after the arrest. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said a white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday with the support of Counter Terrorism Police. He told reporters on Sunday: "At this point, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated." He said detectives "remain open-minded about the potential motive" and stressed it is not believed there is any threat to the wider public. He added: "We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it's unhelpful, it doesn't aid our investigation and, particularly, it's distressing to the family and friends of Ms Widdecombe."
