Devon and Cornwall Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder following the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at around 11:40am on Thursday, July 9, after sustaining serious injuries. It is believed she was attacked nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Arrest made in South Yorkshire
On Saturday, July 11, police confirmed the arrest of a man in South Yorkshire. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated: “We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.” He added that inquiries are “moving at pace” for a suspect described as a white male. A 26-year-old white British man arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder was released from custody on Saturday.
Timeline of events
A Channel 5 researcher reportedly received a message from Widdecombe at 12:19pm on Wednesday, July 8, before a scheduled interview at 1pm. The researcher messaged her at 12:48pm to confirm the Zoom link, but there was no response. Police believe the attack occurred around 12:30pm that day. Officers were called to her home the following morning at 11:40am.
Political and public figure
Ann Widdecombe, first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokesperson for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Assistant Chief Constable Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.” He noted the investigation is “moving at a significant pace.”
