Police in southwest England have launched an intensive search for a suspect after the death of former British MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, saying investigators believe she was attacked at her home nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Devon and Cornwall Police said Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her residence in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after suffering serious injuries. Detectives now believe the attack took place around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said officers are searching for a white male believed to be connected to the incident. He added that investigators do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.
“Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined,” Longman said. He described the investigation as progressing rapidly, with specialist officers pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to establish exactly what happened.
Police also confirmed that a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been released from custody after further inquiries. Authorities said he is no longer part of the investigation.
Longman urged the public to avoid speculation, particularly on social media, warning that inaccurate information could hinder the investigation and cause additional distress to Widdecombe’s family and friends. The family has requested privacy while they come to terms with her death.
Investigators have ruled out terrorism and said there is currently no evidence to suggest the incident was politically motivated.
Widdecombe was a prominent figure in British politics for more than three decades. She served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until 2010. During John Major’s government, she held several ministerial positions and became known as one of the party’s most outspoken voices.
After leaving Parliament, Widdecombe remained in the public eye through television appearances and political activity. She competed in the 2010 series of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the semi-finals with professional partner Anton du Beke after receiving strong public support.
In 2019, she joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party and served as a Member of the European Parliament representing South West England until the United Kingdom completed its departure from the European Union. She later became Reform UK’s spokesperson on immigration and justice while continuing regular appearances in the media.
According to reports, Widdecombe appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday, the day investigators believe the attack occurred. She had also been scheduled to appear on a Channel 5 programme hosted by Matt Allwright later that day but failed to join a planned Zoom interview from her home.
Members of the production team reportedly tried contacting her several times by phone and text without success before later contacting her agent.
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen suspicious activity near Widdecombe’s home on Wednesday afternoon to come forward as the investigation continues.
