Former politician Ann Widdecombe was attacked in her home almost a day before her body was discovered, police believe. A white male suspect is being hunted in connection with the former Conservative minister's death, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Timeline of Events
The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. The force said today (July 11) that it is believed Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm.
A Channel 5 researcher reportedly received a message from Widdecombe at 12.19pm on Wednesday, before a scheduled interview at 1pm. The researcher messaged Ms Widdecombe at 12.48pm to confirm the interview, but there was no response, ITV News reports.
Police Investigation
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said her death is being treated as suspicious but added: “We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.” He said: “Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.”
A 26-year-old white British man who was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on suspicion of the murder of Miss Widdecombe on Friday was released from custody today.
Appeal for Information
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. Detectives continue to carry out numerous inquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
He said the investigation was “moving at a significant pace”, adding: “We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened. I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us. We will release further information when we are able to do so.”
“In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened. We have set up a major incident public portal for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. This can be found on our website. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
