Devon and Cornwall Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, a white British national, was taken into custody at an address in South Yorkshire on the evening of July 11, with assistance from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police.
Timeline of Events
Ms Widdecombe was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, at approximately 11:40 AM on Thursday, July 9, having sustained serious injuries. Police now believe she was attacked around 12:30 PM on Wednesday, July 8 — nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. Authorities have stated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was politically motivated.
In a statement released on July 11, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect is now in police custody. Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development. At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation."
Previous Arrest Released
A 26-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder has been released from police custody and is no longer considered a suspect in the investigation. Police have not disclosed further details about the earlier arrest or its connection to the case.
The investigation continues as forensic teams examine the scene in Haytor. The public has been urged to avoid speculation while police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe's death.
