Detectives have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murder after former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her Devon home.
UPDATE: Counter Terrorism Police take over Ann Widdecombe Devon ‘murder’ probe as man is arrested on suspicion of acts of terrorism
Earlier on Friday (July 10), Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder enquiry, saying the force was ‘moving at a significant pace’ as detectives issued a manhunt after Reform member Miss Widecombe was on Thursday (July 9) found dead with serious injuries at her home near Haytor, Dartmoor.
Police said a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon on the suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, at Devon and Cornwall Police, confirmed the suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while enquiries continue.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, at Devon and Cornwall Police, confirmed an arrest had been made amid a murder investigation into the death in Devon of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Image: Sky News.
He said police remained ‘open-minded’ about the investigation when asked if the suspect knew Miss Widdecombe, if her death was politically-motivated, or was the result of a burglary.
He would not comment if Miss Widdecombe had been subject to any threats or if the suspect was known to police. And he gave no details on the serious injuries resulting in her death.
The Assistant Chief Constable said: “All our efforts today are focussed on this investigation to get the right outcome for Miss Widdecombe’s family, friends, but also to make our communities feel safe and confident.”
He confirmed a police presence in the area will remain high over the weekend.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said police remained open-minded while investigating Ann Widdecombe’s death at her home in Devon. Image: Sky News.
He told media at a press conference in Exeter: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.
“While we work closely with our partners and have consulted counter terrorism policing as part of our initial enquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. This is an extremely tragic incident.”
Police said 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was found dead with ‘serious injuries’ inside her home shortly on Thursday morning (July 9).
Detectives are appealing for information and want to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Haytor Vale, Haytor areas of Dartmoor. And they are calling for for CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.
Police were called to the former MP’s home by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9, where she was found dead inside the property.
Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, police said.
A cordon remains in place at Miss Widdecombe’s home while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are police road closures in place around the scene.
Police are at Ann Widdecombe’s Dartmoor home as detectives launched a murder investigation and manhunt. Image: Sky News.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the public would see a ‘significant’ increase in police presence in the area today, Friday, July 10, while detectives and officers carry out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
Police are near Haytor after former Reform member Ann Widecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her Devon home. Image: Sky News.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.”
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.
“We have an increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer said he was shocked by the news, calling Ann Widdecombe a ‘distinguished politician’.
He said: “I implore anybody who’s got any information to help the police with their enquiries.”
- Police have set up a major incident portal for information, images or CCTV to be submitted. Information can also be reported by calling 101, or through the force website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen. Or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
