Police investigating the shocking murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have revealed the attack is believed to have happened more than 24 hours before her body was discovered at her Dartmoor home.
Detectives have now established a possible timeline in the killing of the 78-year-old political veteran, who was found dead inside her property at Haytor after suffering serious injuries.
Devon and Cornwall Police said they believe the fatal attack took place on Wednesday July 8 at around 12.30pm — a day before emergency services were called to the former MP’s home.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators were moving quickly as they worked to identify the person responsible. “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday July 8 at around 12.30pm. Our enquiries are moving at pace and a suspect is believed to be a white male,” he said.
Officers were called to the remote property by ambulance crews at around 11.40am on Thursday after concerns were raised. Inside, they discovered Miss Widdecombe had sustained serious injuries and had died.
A murder investigation was immediately launched by the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team, with specialist officers now carrying out forensic searches, house-to-house inquiries and examining CCTV footage.
The scene remains sealed off as detectives continue their work, with a significant police presence expected to remain in the area.
ACC Longman said the investigation was still in its early stages but that officers were deploying every available resource.
“Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined,” he said.
He added: “Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The former Conservative MP’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Police have stressed that the killing is not currently being treated as terrorism-related and there is no indication of a wider threat to the public.
Counter Terrorism Policing was consulted during the initial stages of the inquiry, but ACC Longman confirmed the specialist unit is not supporting the investigation.
“While investigators are keeping an open mind as to any potential motive, CTP is not supporting the investigation,” he said.
A 26-year-old man who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation.
Detectives are now appealing directly to the public for information, urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around Miss Widdecombe’s home or surrounding areas to come forward.
ACC Longman said even small details could prove crucial. “I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”
The senior officer also warned against speculation online, saying rumours could damage the investigation and cause further distress to Miss Widdecombe’s family. “This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation, but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe,” he said.
Miss Widdecombe was one of Britain’s best-known political figures, serving as a Conservative MP for more than two decades before later returning to public life as a Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokeswoman.
Known for her outspoken views, sharp political style and distinctive public presence, she remained a familiar figure long after leaving the House of Commons.
Her death has triggered tributes from across the political divide.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described her death as a “terrible reflection on modern Britain” and warned that life had become increasingly dangerous for those in public life.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for politicians from all sides to come together following the tragedy.
As detectives continue their search for answers, the focus now turns to the crucial hours before Miss Widdecombe’s death — and the hunt for the person responsible for a killing that has shocked the political world.
Leave a Comment