Detectives investigating the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe are reportedly working on the theory that she died in a burglary gone wrong. It has been confirmed that a 28-year-old man, who is a white British national, has been arrested following her death on Wednesday (July 8).
Initial Findings and Arrest
The 78-year-old was found bludgeoned to death in her home in Dartmoor, Devon, on Thursday. Police said she sustained "severe" blunt trauma wounds to her head and initially believed she had fallen to her death. However, it is now believed that the former Brexit Party MEP was killed in a burglary gone wrong, according to reporting by The Sun, after a neighbour claimed a man driving a van had turned up at her home before her death.
A 26-year-old man from Newton Abbot, located 11 miles away from her home, was initially arrested but has since been released. In an update on Saturday night (July 11), Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a man, 28, had been arrested at a property in South Yorkshire on suspicion of her murder. Officers were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and the arrest was carried out by South Yorkshire Police.
Timeline of Events
Police believe Ms Widdecombe was killed shortly after agreeing to a TV interview. A WhatsApp conversation shows the producer discussing details with her between 12.14pm and 12.19pm on Wednesday. Ms Widdecombe's last message was sent at 12.19pm and read: "Received! Panic over!!". Investigating officers believe she was attacked in her home just 12 minutes after the message.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said in a press conference on Friday that there was "no information" to suggest the alleged murder was a "politically motivated crime". When asked if anything was stolen from the property, he said: "The key thing I think for us is obviously all our efforts today are focused on this investigation to get the right outcome for her family, friends, but also to make our communities feel safe and confident that we have some of the best officers working on it." He also refused to comment on if it could have been burglary gone wrong, adding: "We remain open-minded."
Neighbor's Account and Police Statement
Meanwhile, a neighbour of Ms Widdecombe reported seeing a man driving a van turn up at her home dressed in hiking clothes. 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 [11 July] on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody. Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development. We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police. 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. This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight. We will look to provide further updates tomorrow [12 July]."
