Ann Widdecombe murdered, police say

A murder investigation has been launched following the suspicious death of former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor in Devon, police said today.

A 26-year-old white British man arrested on Friday afternoon was subsequently released and is no longer part of the investigation.

Devon and Cornwall police posted on their website that officers were called to an address at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday 9 July. Police are appealing for people to come forward with information.

“Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries. Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. 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. A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations.”

There are road closures in place around the scene. The public will see a significant police presence in the area today while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, the police added.

Bishop of Plymouth Nicholas Hudson was among the prominent Catholics who responded to her death. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this distressing time. I will offer Mass for the repose of her soul tomorrow at noon at Buckfast Abbey.”

Human rights activist Benedict Rogers said on Facebook, “In 2005, when I stood for Parliament in the City of Durham, Ann Widdecombe came to campaign with and for me. She was – as she always was – a tour de force, who took Durham by storm. She was huge fun and hugely generous. She will be missed profoundly – and the way she has been taken from us, by brutal murder, is truly shocking. May she rest in peace.”

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.”

Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was stunned and struggled to find the words to respond: “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. It is one thing when someone dies but to know they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.”

Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need paid tribute her, in particular recognising her advocacy for persecuted Christians.

“No stranger to controversy, Ann Widdecombe was nonetheless an outspoken campaigner for the plight of suffering Christians around the world. She was also a long-standing supporter of ACN,” the charity said. “Miss Widdecombe was the keynote speaker at ACN’s annual Westminster Event in 2011, shortly after her retirement from the House of Commons, in which she powerfully remarked that in the mainstream media, ‘You stand a better chance of earnest representation if you are a hedgehog than if you are a persecuted Christian’.”

Miss Widdecombe’s commitment to public service was recognised by the Vatican when she was awarded a Papal Damehood of the Order of St Gregory the Great by Pope Benedict XVI for services to public and political life in 2013.

John Pontifex, ACN (UK)’s Head of Press and Public Affairs, said: “Whether or not you agreed with her politics, without a doubt, Ann Widdecombe was a fearless champion for persecuted Christians, constantly seeking to raise the public profile of their suffering with the media and government. “At ACN we are thankful for her witness and support over many years.”

Devon and Cornwall Police say: We 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. Please follow the link to the public portal. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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