Ann Widdecombe murder investigation launched, manhunt underway

Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe and a manhunt is underway.

Devon and Cornwall Police say the 78-year-old former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday morning with serious injuries.

Here is everything we know - and don't know - about the probe so far:

Police say Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor, on Thursday morning when officers were called by the ambulance service at around 11:40 BST.

Widdecombe's death was announced on Friday morning by her management team, but there was no information about when, how or where she died, and no detail on any suspicious circumstances.

The statement said in part: "We know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way."

Later on Friday afternoon, police issued a statement saying they had launched a murder investigation and released details of a suspect.

Widdecombe's management team then released another statement, saying they were "absolutely devastated" by news of the police investigation "following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours".

A significant police presence remains at the house, with a BBC correspondent describing several police cars on the road outside and a police van on the driveway.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged the public "to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress".

In a post on X, she said the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe's death are "extremely distressing", adding that her "thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones".

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the coroner's office for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay has said "preliminary inquiries are ongoing".

Officers are looking for a suspect, who they believe to be a white male, in connection with the case, which they say is "moving at a significant pace".

In a statement they said they would like 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".

Extra uniformed officers will be in the area to help with enquiries and to reassure residents, they added.

Det Ch Insp 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

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

Widdecombe's political career spanned decades - she served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years and worked as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major's government between 1994 to 1997.

Following news of the police investigation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it was "shocking news" and his thoughts were with Widdecombe's family "at this awful time".

He said he had spoken to the Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK's Nigel Farage, as well as Andy Burnham, "to urge everybody to come together".

Badenoch said she was "stunned" and "really struggled to find the words".

She added: "Ann Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind.

"She was 78 years old. She was an elderly woman. I don't understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.

"It was a nasty, horrific attack. My heart is breaking for her family."

She continued: "It is one thing when someone dies but to know they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful."

Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947 and went on to study Latin at Birmingham University, then philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University.

After leaving Parliament she embarked on a showbiz career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

A staunch supporter of the UK's departure from the EU, she became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.

In 2023, Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, after the party changed its name from the Brexit Party, and made a number of appearances as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.