Ann Widdecombe sustained ‘severe accidents’ as manhunt launched in homicide investigation

Ann Widdecombe, the former MP, MEP and Strictly Come Dancing star, was found injured with “serious injuries” as a murder investigation has been launched and a manhunt to locate a ‘white male’

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of former MP and Strictly Come Dancing star Ann Widdecombe after she was found with “serious injuries”. Police have also now launched a manhunt to locate a white male in connection with their investigation.

Detectives from Devon & Cornwall Police are now investigating and the force is expected to make a public statement on Friday afternoon (July 10). The 78-year-old, who left the Tories for Reform UK, politician was found dead at her Haytor home in Devon, found yesterday (July 9). The ambulance service called police at around 11.40am yesterday.

Police have now confirmed that Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property and had sustained serious injuries. 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.

Devon & Cornwall Police also said they seeking to locate a white male and are “deploying all of the necessary resources.”

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 enquiry 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.”

A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are also road closures in place around the scene.

A significant police presence remains in the area as detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.

Miss Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news the police had launched a murder investigation into her death.

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.”

In her post-Commons career she appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 partnered with Anton du Beke, and survived until the competition’s semi-finals thanks to the public vote.

Throughout her political career, Miss Widdecombe was a prominent Eurosceptic and supported the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum.

She became a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.

Miss Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK in 2023, the successor to the Brexit Party, and made an appearance at its party conference the following year as Reform’s immigration spokesperson.

She was also known for her socially conservative views, which included opposing the legality of abortion and widening rights for the LGBT community during her Commons career.

She claimed to have no interest in sex, and never married.

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