Ann Widdecombe homicide suspect, 26, arrested after ex-MP discovered lifeless

Devon and Cornwall Police have released further information on the murder investigation and manhunt in relation to the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe after she was found with serious injuries

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe following a major manhunt for a white male.

Devon and Cornwall Police earlier launched a murder investigation into the death of Miss Widdecombe, who was found deceased at her property in Haytor, Dartmoor, near Newton Abbott in Devon at 11:40am on Thursday (July 9).

At press conference this afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the death of Miss Widdecombe is not being treated as terror-related.

Miss Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday (July 8), was found to have suffered “serious injuries”. Police also confirmed a manhunt had been launched for a white male that they believe to be responsible.

Speaking before the arrest, 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. Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us. 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.”

The ex-Tory minister, who was 78, later became a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman, also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing. Many people paid tribute to her early today before police confirmed their murder investigation.

Speaking to reporters at Chequers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer broke his silence on hearing the news of the investigation. He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.

“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.

“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.

“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”

Potential future Labour Leader and next PM Andy Burnham has also commented on the death of Miss Widdecombe through a spokesperson. A spokeswoman for Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.

“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.

“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have set up a Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP] for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. You can also contact us by phone on 101 or through our website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen. You can follow the link to the public portal here.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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