Ann Widdecombe murder investigation: Read the police statement in full
Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of former MP and minister Ann Widdecombe.
The 78-year-old former Tory prisons minister went on to become a Brexit Party MP and later Reform UK spokesperson.
He also became famous outside of politics after taking on the role. Definitely Come Dance. Police said a manhunt has been launched for a white male believed to be responsible for the incident.
Haytor’s map:
Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Widdecombe dead with serious injuries.
Here is the full police statement regarding Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation:
A murder investigation has been launched following the suspicious death of former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home in Dartmoor, Devon.
Police teams were called to an address in Haytor by ambulance at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9.
Widdecombe was found dead inside the property. He had suffered serious injuries.
Relatives have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives from the Force’s Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are carrying out full inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death.
The property remains cordoned off while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are roads closed to traffic around the scene.
The public will see a significant police presence in the area today as detectives and officers carry out house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“Our murder investigation is still in its early stages but is moving at a significant pace. We are using all necessary resources to find out exactly what happened and find the person responsible, whom we believe to be a white male.”
“I would appeal to anyone with information about this incident, no matter how trivial it may seem, to come forward and speak to us.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone who has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that may assist our investigation.
“We have increased our uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak to our officers at the scene.”
“We will release further information when possible. In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate, particularly on social media, about what may have happened. Not only is this potentially detrimental to our investigation, but it is also extremely distressing for Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends.”
We established a Major Event Public Portal [MIPP] for information, pictures or images to be sent to us. You can also contact us on 101 or via our website quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.
Please follow the public portal link or scan the QR code.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
