Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has disclosed that a mystery car was seen on the driveway of Ann Widdecombe's Devon home just five minutes before police believe she was attacked. He described the killing as a "premeditated murder."
Timeline of Events
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday, July 9, at around 11:40 a.m. Police believe she was attacked at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. According to Farage, a car pulled onto her driveway at around 12:25-12:30 p.m. that day.
Widdecombe had sent a text message to a Channel 5 researcher at 12:19 p.m. on Wednesday. The researcher replied at 12:48 p.m. but received no further response. No communication from Widdecombe was received after that time.
Farage's Theory
Speaking to reporters after visiting Widdecombe's home to pay tribute, Farage said: "One theory doing the rounds is that it was a burglary gone wrong. But a car went onto the drive at approximately 12.25-12.30 on Wednesday." He questioned: "She had done one interview in the morning… She was due to do another one at 1pm. So if you were a burglar, would you literally drive your car onto someone’s drive?"
Farage added: "From what I can see of it, from what I make out, this was premeditated murder." He stated that his party has been reviewing emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Widdecombe but has not found anything.
Police Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police have stated that enquiries are "moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be 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 without charge.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said in a statement: "I want to start with expressing my thanks to the local community and to the people who have come forward so far with their information. We have been working at pace on this investigation. Officers are making progress and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry."
He added: "At this time, we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage. Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing inquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities." Longman urged the public not to speculate on social media.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged people to come together across political divides following the murder. He said he had spoken to his likely successor Andy Burnham, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, and Reform UK's Nigel Farage to "urge everybody to come together at a moment like this."
Conservative leader Mrs. Badenoch said she "really struggled to find the words to say" following Widdecombe's death. "I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family," she added.
