Devon and Cornwall Police have revealed that former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe was likely attacked in her home on Dartmoor nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. The 78-year-old was found dead at her property in Haytor at around 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Police now believe the attack occurred on Wednesday at approximately 12:30pm.
Suspect Sought as Investigation Accelerates
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that detectives are pursuing a suspect described as a white male. He emphasized that while the death is being treated as suspicious, there is no wider risk to the public. “Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male,” he said. A 26-year-old white British man arrested on Friday in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder was released from custody on Saturday without charge.
Longman appealed for public assistance, urging anyone with information to come forward. “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined,” he added. A major incident public portal has been established for submitting information, images, or footage. Anonymous tips can also be passed to Crimestoppers.
Community in Shock
Christine Maloney, a neighbour, described the area as “very safe,” noting that residents often leave cars and doors unlocked. “My husband saw her a week ago, driving around. I’m very shocked at her death, it shouldn’t have happened, it’s horrific,” she said. Another local, Alison Gilbert, who has lived in Haytor Vale for over a decade, recalled Widdecombe as a “nice woman” with a great sense of humour. “Everyone saw her as quite an opinionated politician, but to us she was just a person in the community,” she said.
Peter Horrell, Widdecombe’s personal driver for 10 years, laid flowers at her home and described her as “a great lady, very kind.” He noted that she never expressed fear for her safety and loved living in Haytor.
Political Reactions and Legacy
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called her death a “terrible reflection on modern Britain,” warning that public life has become more dangerous. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged unity across political divides, having spoken with party leaders including Kemi Badenoch and Farage. Conservative leader Badenoch said she “really struggled to find the words” and described the attack as “nasty” and “horrific.”
Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010, holding ministerial roles under John Major. She later became a Brexit Party MEP and a Reform UK spokeswoman. Beyond politics, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother. She was last seen on TalkTV on Wednesday morning and was scheduled to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show that afternoon but did not join the Zoom call, with messages remaining unanswered.
Police have ruled out terrorism and said there is no indication of a politically motivated crime. The investigation continues.
