Detectives leading the murder investigation over the death of Ann Widdecombe have refused to share further information on any potential suspects or CCTV footage as they pursue “a number of lines of enquiry”.
The former Tory minister was attacked 24 hours before she was found dead at her house in Haytor, Devon and Cornwall Police said earlier on Saturday, as officers said they were looking for a white man in connection with the killing.
Later in the evening, the force said it had made the “active decision” not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities,” said Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.
He added: “We have been working at pace on this investigation. Officers are making progress and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.”
Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker revealed late on Friday that Miss Widdecombe had been expected to appear on 5 Daytime on Wednesday but stopped responding to messages and did not turn up for her slot.
The politician, 78, was found dead at her home on Thursday morning, triggering a murder investigation.
Read MoreAnn Widdecombe death: Former Conservative minister and firebrand TV personality dies aged 78
Ann Widdecombe defends Nigel Farage in final TV interview days before death
In Pictures: Commons stalwart Ann Widdecombe became unlikely dancefloor queen
Key Points
- Police explain why they won't issue suspect description
- Ann Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before she was found, police say
- Reform reviewing emails for abuse directed at spokesperson Widdecombe
- Watch Ann Widdecombe’s last TV appearance given hours before her death
- Murder suspect released and 'no longer part of investigation'
- Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Buckfast Abbey share tribute to 'kind and warm' Ann Widdecombe
19:20 , Rebecca WhittakerBuckfast Abbey have shared a tribute to Ann Widdecombe who used to attend mass at the church, calling her a “kind and warm character”
The tribute read: “Fr Abbot and the Monastic Community of Buckfast were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe in such tragic and disturbing circumstances.
“Ann was a frequent worshipper in the Abbey Church, attending our Sunday Solemn Mass and notably attended our Holy Week and Easter services. Many in our worshipping community knew her as a kind and warm character. She will be missed and fondly remembered.
“Ann was a woman of profound faith, a faith which found expression in the public forum of politics. Ann was unafraid to express her unwavering convictions, formed through her Roman Catholic faith. She had a sharp intellect and was a dedicated public servant.”
A look at Ann Widdecombe's political career
19:00 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe entered parliament in 1987 as the Conservative MP for Maidstone.
Her electoral success came after she failed to win the seat of Burnley in 1979 and Plymouth in 1983.
She was well known for her socially conservative views as a junior minister in John Major's 1992-1997 government, and later as an immigration and justice spokesperson for Reform UK.
The former Tory was home office secretary from 1995 to 1997, and later became shadow home secretary from 1999 to 2000, and health secretary from 1998 to 1999.
She left parliament in 2010, and became a prominent Eurosceptic, supporting the Vote Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Ms Widdecombe was a member of the Brexit Party from 2019 and served as an MEP representing South West England in Brussels between 2019 and 2020.
Throughout her political career, she was known for her bluntness and socially conservative views, including opposition to abortion and to equalising the age of consent for homosexual and heterosexual relationships.
She also defended a policy of shackling pregnant prisoners during child birth to prevent their escape, and viewed single mothers as poor role models, but was unusual among Tory lawmakers in opposing the hunting of foxes with hounds.
Police explain why they won't issue suspect description
18:25 , Rebecca WhittakerDevon and Cornwall police have decided not to release any further information about potential suspects or CCTV footage.
Police believe the suspect is a white male and that attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm, but have said no further information will be released.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.
“Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.
“The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation.
“I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media.
“If you have any relevant information and have not yet reported, please do so via the major incident public portal.
“Our thoughts remain with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this sad time. They continue to be supported by specialist officers.
“We will provide updates as and when we are able to and thank you for your patience.”
Recap: What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
18:15 , Rebecca WhittakerA 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, police said on Saturday amid a deepening probe in the former Tory minister’s shocking death at her Dartmoor home.
“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,” said assistant chief constable Matt Longman as Devon and Cornwall police appealed for help with their investigation.
Read more here:
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
'At times she would tell me I was wrong', Farage says speaking about Widdecombe
18:09 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe believed people had the "freedom and the right" to say things that insulted each other, Nigel Farage said while visiting her village this afternoon.
Citing one of her colleagues, the BBC reported the Reform leader said: "[They] said during those years in the shadow cabinet - she was the only one who always, always, always spoke up for what she believed to be the national interest.
"She was a great colleague, loved by all of us that worked with her - even if at times she would tell me I was wrong."
18:00 , James ReynoldsPolitical commentator Adam Boulton has apologised for his “insensitive” remarks after describing Ann Widdecombe as a “spinster” and an “old maid”.
The former Sky News presenter came under fire for his comments to the media following news of her death on Friday. He initially defended his choice of words, saying he “sticks to the facts” as a “reporter who knew her for decades”.
Today, he took to social media to acknowledge the backlash, writing: “I was seriously wrong and insensitive in one of the several media appearances I made yesterday in reaction to the death of Ann Widdecombe. I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong.”
He said he had known Widdecombe since the 1980s and was describing her “based on the record of known facts and what she has said about herself, along with some recollections of our personal interactions”.
“My choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend though obviously I did.”
Family of Jo Cox pay tribute to Ann Widdecombe
17:45 , Rebecca WhittakerFamily of murdered MP Jo Cox have paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe following the politician's death.
Writing in the Mirror newspaper Jo Cox’s husband, Brendan Cox, wrote Ann Widdecombe's death "brings back all of the pain and emotion of losing Jo when she was murdered" in 2016.
"I hope the whole country comes together as they did when Jo was killed, to honour somebody who was a real public servant and who believed in doing her best to represent the people that she cared about," he added.
In pictures: Floral tributes laid for Widdecombe near home
17:15 , James Reynolds
Farage suggests murder was 'premeditated' after police asked people not to speculate
17:12 , Rebecca WhittakerNigel Farage has suggested Ann Widdecombe’s murder could have been premeditated.
The Reform leader made the claim while visiting her bungalow in Dartmoor on Saturday afternoon.
“One theory doing the rounds, I discussed this with the Prime Minister yesterday, is that it was a burglary that went wrong,” he said.
“If you were a burglar, would you literally drive your car onto someone’s drive? You wouldn’t,” he added.
“From what I can see of it, from what I can make out, this was premeditated murder.”
However, Devon and Cornwall Police have asked people not to speculate, stressing that it can harm the investigation.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “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 Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
Police seen searching hedges and lane near Ann Widdecombe’s bungalow
17:04 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Independent has seen police searching the lanes and hedges around Ann Widdecombe’s bungalow in Haytor Vale.
Officers are at the entrance to the village, stopping journalists and people who do not live in the area from driving in while they search.
Many businesses have put signs asking reporters to refrain from talking to their staff, after the village became overrun with journalists.
The Rock Inn at Haytor has put up a sign warning journalists not to talk to staff.
A member of staff at Ullacombe Farm Shop, where neighbours said Ann Widdecombe used to shop for groceries, said they have had press in all day and have been told not to comment.
Watch Ann Widdecombe’s last TV appearance given hours before her death
16:50 , Rebecca WhittakerAnn Widdecombe defended Nigel Farage’s re-election bid in Clacton as “the right course to take” in her final TV interview just a day before her death at the age of 78.
The former Conservative minister turned Reform UK member was found with "significant injuries" at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday (9 July) morning.
Devon and Cornwall Police have since launched a murder investigation.
Appearing on Talk TV on Wednesday (8 July), in her final TV appearance, the former MP defended the Reform UK’s leader’s decision to stand down as MP.
“This is a very decisive man,” she said, adding that she believes he is “taking matters into his own hands”.
Watch here:
Watch Ann Widdecombe’s last TV appearance given hours before her death
Moment TV host shares concern after Ann Widdecombe fails to make scheduled appearance
16:45 , Rebecca WhittakerA TV host expressed concern to viewers over Ann Widdecombe’s whereabouts hours before she was found dead at her home.
The former Tory minister was scheduled to make an appearance on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show on Wednesday after, but stopped returning messages to show researchers at around 12.19pm, report ITV News.
“She didn’t show up, unfortunately,” said host Matt Allwright. “But we look forward to speaking to you on some other occasion, Ann.”
A murder investigation has been launched after the 78-year-old’s seriously injured body was found by police at 11.40am on Thursday.
Watch here:
Moment TV host shares concern after Ann Widdecombe fails to make scheduled appearance
Ann Widdecombe attacked at home 24 hours before she was found as manhunt for suspect resumes
16:30 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead with serious injuries at her remote Dartmoor home, police believe, as a manhunt for the killer continues.
The former Tory prisons minister, 78, was found by ambulance crews on Thursday morning, sparking a murder investigation and the arrest of a 26-year-old British national on Friday.
But police said on Saturday that they had released the suspect and he was no longer part of their investigation and they were pushing on with their hunt for her killer, as forensic teams carried out examinations at her home.
Catch up on Saturday’s developments:
Ann Widdecombe was attacked at home 24 hours before she was found, police believe
Reform reviewing emails for abuse directed at spokesperson Widdecombe
16:25 , James ReynoldsReform UK has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Ann Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything, Nigel Farage told reporters in Devon, where he arrived to pay tribute to the late politician.
He told journalists: “I’ve had our security teams going through all of our emails to pick out ones that were sent that either were directly to Ann, or were abusive or about Ann. So, we’re doing everything we can to support the police in every way.”
Asked for more details about whether abusive emails had been recently directed at the former Conservative MP, Mr Farage said: “We all get abusive emails in public life. I can tell you that we have not been able to to discern a specific pattern.
“I think quite often with these cases, you would see an email from an individual that would come again, and again, and again, and again, and again.
“We can’t identify, from our data, any individual. General abuse, yes, it goes with public life, whether in football or politics or music, or whatever it is.”
Mr Farage said he had spoken with the Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable and police and crime commissioner, who were being supported by “the full resources of the police nationally” as they carry out a murder investigation.
Who was Ann Widecombe? Former Conservative minister and firebrand TV personality
16:16 , Athena StavrouFormer Conservative minister turned Reform UK member and Strictly Come Dancing star Anne Widdecombe died at the age of 78 on Thursday.
Widdecombe served as an MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010, and was a minister of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.
She held the posts of shadow home secretary and shadow health secretary in opposition, and later went on to join Reform UK and become a vocal champion of Brexit.
Widdecombe stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2010 election and went on to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, where she was partnered with Anton Du Beke.
She later appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, where she finished second, in 2018.
She was also known for her socially conservative views, which included opposing the legality of abortion and widening rights for the LGBTQ+ community during her Commons career.
The statement from her agents said that her career was “driven by her strong Christian values and commitment to public service”.
Despite leaving parliament 16 years ago, she was “still actively campaigning for Reform UK” up until her death, they said.
Widdecombe returned to politics in 2019 with the Brexit Party – later renamed Reform UK – and won the southwest England seat in the European Parliament election.
She held the seat until the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, before becoming Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokesperson from 2023 to 2026.
Widdecombe was active on the speaking circuit and wrote a column for the Daily Express for 20 years, and in 2013, she published her memoir, Strictly Ann.
In focus: Inside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics and celebrity culture
16:00 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe moved to Haytor Vale to get away from it all, setting herself up ‘for the rest of my days’.
But as an outspoken celebrity politician, she was somewhat of an anomaly in village life, as Jacqui Merrington found out:
Inside Ann Widdecombe’s quiet Dartmoor life – a world away from Westminster politics
Widdecombe had no security at the house, says local
15:58 , James ReynoldsPeter Cornthwaite, 66, a contractor from nearby Smokey Cross, told The Times that he never saw any security at the house.
"She didn’t have a secure garden, no gate or anything," he said.
“It’s very quiet round here. We leave our doors and windows unlocked.”
In pictures: Farage arrives at Dartmoor National Park to lay flowers in tribute to Widdecombe
15:54 , James Reynolds
Watch: Moment TV host shows concern after Ann Widdecombe fails to make scheduled appearance
15:45 , James ReynoldsWhat happened to Ann Widdecombe?
15:30 , James ReynoldsA 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, police said on Saturday amid a deepening probe in the former Tory minister’s shocking death at her Dartmoor home.
“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,” said assistant chief constable Matt Longman as Devon and Cornwall police appealed for help with their investigation.
Ambulance workers called police to the 78-year-old’s home in rural southwest England on Thursday morning, where she had been found dead after suffering serious injuries. Detectives launched a murder investigation and began forensic examinations at the home.
Read the full story:
What happened to Ann Widdecombe?
Ann Widdecombe attacked at home 24 hours before she was found as manhunt for suspect resumes
15:22 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead with serious injuries at her remote Dartmoor home, police believe, as a manhunt for the killer continues.
The former Tory prisons minister, 78, was found by ambulance crews on Thursday morning, sparking a murder investigation and the arrest of a 26-year-old British national on Friday.
But police said on Saturday that they had released the suspect and he was no longer part of their investigation and they were pushing on with their hunt for her killer, as forensic teams carried out examinations at her home.
Catch up on Saturday’s developments:
Ann Widdecombe was attacked at home 24 hours before she was found, police believe
Recap: Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
15:00 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe suddenly stopped responding to messages moments before she was due to appear on air for interview on Wednesday, the day before she was found at her dead at her Dartmoor home.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was set to be a guest on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped replying to the broadcaster and did not turn up for her slot, according to Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
In an update on Saturday, Devon and Cornwall Police said officers believed Ms Widdecombe had been attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday, around 24 hours before she was discovered.
Read the full story:
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Locals shocked to learn of Widdecombe's death
14:50 , James ReynoldsWill, who did not wish to give his last name, said he would see Ann Widdecombe walking on Dartmoor.
He said: “Like everybody else, she was just part of the community.
“It’s a safe area, it’s lovely.
“It shocked me because I thought, poor lady, she’s had a heart attack or something.
“Then I heard about (the murder investigation) and I thought, crikey.”
Timeline of Ann Widdecombe's last known movements as murder probe launched
14:45 , James ReynoldsWednesday, 8 July:
08:00: Anne Widdecombe makes her final public appearance in an remote interview with TalkTV.
Early afternoon: Widdecombe is in contact with a researcher from Channel 5 ahead of a remote appearance on the Matt Allwright show at 1pm, per ITV.
12:19: The researcher, after an exchange of messages, receives a final message from Widdecombe, with 40 minutes until her interview.
12:48: The researcher messages again, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link. She does not reply. They try texting and calling again to no avail. The research team contacts her agent and follows up Thursday.
Police said on Saturday they believe Widdecombe may have been attacked around 12.30pm on Wednesday, around 24 hours before she was discovered.
Thursday, 9 July:
11:40: Officers are called to Widdecombe’s home in Haytor by the ambulance service. There are reports she was found by a gardener or a carer earlier that morning.
The Sun reports somebody arrived at the house in hiking clothes “in the middle of the night”.
Friday, 10 July:
06:30: Sky News reports Widdecombe has died aged 78.
17:47: Devon & Cornwall police say a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. They identify him as a 26-year-old white British national, who they arrested in Newton Abbot, some nine miles away.
Saturday, 11 July:
06:30: Police say the man who was arrested on Friday has “since been released” from custody and is no longer part of their investigation.
11 July 2026, 11:45:43
By James Reynolds
Police have no reason to believe that Ann Widdecombe’s death was politically-motivated.
Assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Matt Longman told a press conference on Friday: “At this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time.
“I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
He also said her death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.
15Recap: Police do not believe Widdecombe death was politically-motivated
Recap: Keir Starmer: Ann Widdecombe murder investigation 'really shocking news'
14:30 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe's driver says she never expressed any fear for her safety
14:14 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe’s personal driver has spoken of his “absolute shock” at finding out the former MP may have been murdered.
Peter Horrell described the ex-Tory prisons minister as a “great lady” who was “very comical” and “down to earth”.
Speaking to journalists after placing flowers in front of her house, he said Ms Widdecombe had “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and that she loved living in Haytor.
Mr Horrell, who had worked for Ms Widdecombe for ten years, said he last worked with her when he drove her to Yeovil in Somerset, adding that she “always looked after me” and “made sure I had something to eat”.
Asked whether she had ever expressed any concern for her safety, he said: “Not really, she seemed quite happy living up here by herself. You never expect it, do you? Well I certainly didn’t. You know, very sad.”
In pictures: Ann Widdecombe meets Margaret Thatcher in 1984
14:00 , James Reynolds
Adam Boulton apologises over 'insensitive' Widdecombe remarks
13:56 , James ReynoldsPolitical commentator Adam Boulton has apologised for his “insensitive” remarks after describing Ann Widdecombe as a “spinster” and an “old maid”.
The former Sky News presenter came under fire for his comments to the media following news of her death on Friday. He initially defended his choice of words, saying he “sticks to the facts” as a “reporter who knew her for decades”.
Today, he took to social media to acknowledge the backlash, writing: “I was seriously wrong and insensitive in one of the several media appearances I made yesterday in reaction to the death of Ann Widdecombe. I got the timing and tone of my initial word portrait of her wrong.”
He said he had known Widdecombe since the 1980s and was describing her “based on the record of known facts and what she has said about herself, along with some recollections of our personal interactions”.
“My choice of words on the spur of the moment was clumsy. I did not intend to offend though obviously I did.”
Police appeal for video or images in race to find killer
13:44 , Natalie CrockettPolice have urged anyone with video or images that might help them piece together what happened to Ms Widdecombe to come forward.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “We have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. This can be found on our website.”
Images or video can be submitted via the online portal here or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Police warn speculation on murder could harm their investigation
13:19 , Natalie CrockettAssistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the investigation was “moving at a significant pace” and the force was “deploying all of the necessary resources” to find out what has happened.
But he urged people not to speculate.
“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 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 Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.”
Enquiries 'moving at pace' to find suspect as manhunt ramps up
13:14 , Natalie CrockettIn a updated statement on the murder probe on Saturday afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm.
“Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.
BREAKING: Ann Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before she was found, police say
13:03 , Natalie CrockettAnn Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday afternoon, almost 24 hours before she was found dead at her remote Dartmoor home.
In an update on Saturday, Devon and Cornwall Police said the attack is thought to have happened at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.
The former Tory minister was found dead with “serious injuries” around 11.40am on Thursday after emergency services were called to her house.
“Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect is believed to be a white male," a police spokesperson said.
Journalist pays tribute to late politician
13:00 , James ReynoldsJournalist Colin Freeman remembers approaching Ms Widdecombe at her flat in south London for a story “during her run-ins with [former Tory leader] Michael Howard”.
He recalls: “Expected an earful. Was instead told: ‘You must be cold, standing out there.’ Was invited in & given 2 large Scotches. May she RIP.”
Doorstepped Anne Widdecombe late one night during her run-ins with Michael Howard. Expected an earful. Was instead told: "You must be cold, standing out there." Was invited in & given 2 large Scotches. May she RIP.
— Colin Freeman (@colinfreeman99) July 10, 2026
Watch: Moment TV host shows concern after Ann Widdecombe fails to make scheduled appearance
12:45 , James ReynoldsIn pictures: Police and forensics continue to work at Ann Widdecombe's house on Saturday
12:40 , James Reynolds
In Pictures: Commons stalwart Ann Widdecombe became unlikely dancefloor queen
12:30 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe proved she could lock horns with anyone in the House of Commons, but when an unexpected opportunity came up to embrace the world of ballroom dancing she was happy to let herself be pushed or pulled around.
The former minister became a familiar face on TV screens after leaving the Commons, not least during her stint on Strictly Come Dancing when partner Anton Du Beke regularly dragged her onto the floor, sometimes literally.
Few would have seen her potential on the dancefloor when she became a well-recognised figure in Tory governments, often enduring mockery but always sticking to her guns – she was often targeted for her appearance and her single status.
Ann Widdecombe, in pictures:
In Pictures: Commons stalwart Ann Widdecombe became unlikely dancefloor queen
Mass underway for Widdecombe at Buckfast Abbey
12:17 , James ReynoldsRt Rev Nicholas Hudson, the Bishop of Plymouth, tells the BBC that a mass underway for Ann Widdecombe in the parish she frequented.
"I know that she was a woman of faith and a great public servant,” he says, adding that the church is praying for her and her loved ones.
The bishop said mass would start today at 12 BST at Buckfast Abbey.
Mapped: Locations in focus as suspect released by police
12:15 , James ReynoldsRecap: Saturday's developments
12:05 , James ReynoldsIf you are just joining, police on Saturday announced they had released the suspect arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder.
They said they were continuing with their enquiring elsewhere and appealed for public support.
It also emerged that Ms Widdecombe had been due to appear on Wednesday afternoon, just hours before she was found dead at her home in Devon, but suddenly went quiet on Channel 5 researchers.
Tributes continued to pour in for Ms Widdecombe from across the political spectrum. Floral tributes were left at her home, where police maintained their cordon.
Timeline of Ann Widdecombe's last known movements as murder probe launched
12:00 , James ReynoldsWednesday, 8 July:
08:00: Anne Widdecombe makes her final public appearance in an remote interview with TalkTV.
Early afternoon: Widdecombe is in contact with a researcher from Channel 5 ahead of a remote appearance on the Matt Allwright show at 1pm, per ITV.
12:19: The researcher, after an exchange of messages, receives a final message from Widdecombe, with 40 minutes until her interview.
12:48: The researcher messages again, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link. She does not reply. They try texting and calling again to no avail. The research team contacts her agent and follows up Thursday.
Thursday, 9 July:
11:40: Officers are called to Widdecombe’s home in Haytor by the ambulance service. There are reports she was found by a gardener or a carer earlier that morning.
The Sun reports somebody arrived at the house in hiking clothes “in the middle of the night”.
Friday, 10 July:
06:30: Sky News reports Widdecombe has died aged 78.
17:47: Devon & Cornwall police say a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. They identify him as a 26-year-old white British national, who they arrested in Newton Abbot, some nine miles away.
Saturday, 11 July:
06:30: Police say the man who was arrested on Friday has “since been released” from custody and is no longer part of their investigation.
Recap: Police do not believe Widdecombe death was politically-motivated
11:45 , James ReynoldsPolice have no reason to believe that Ann Widdecombe’s death was politically-motivated.
Assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police Matt Longman told a press conference on Friday: “At this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time.
“I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
He also said her death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.
'Everyone knew that was her house, but it's very safe' - neighbours
11:30 , James ReynoldsChristine Maloney, who lives near Ann Widdecombe’s home in Haytor on Dartmoor, said the area is “very safe” and it is not unusual for locals to leave their cars and front doors unlocked.
She said of the former MP: “My husband saw her a week ago, driving around.
“I’m very shocked at (her death), it shouldn’t have happened, it’s horrific. Everyone knows that’s her house, perhaps that’s the problem?
“It’s very, very safe around here. I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now. It’s got to be someone that’s local or knows her.
“Whoever did it, I think they should put him out for the locals to deal with him.”
Neighbours pay tribute to slain lawmaker Widdecombe
11:12 , James ReynoldsSpeaking today from near Ms Widdecombe’s address, Alison and Simon Gilbert, who have lived in Haytor Vale for more than a decade, said Ann Widdecombe was a well-known figure locally.
Mrs Gilbert said: “She was a nice woman, really nice woman, and she had a great sense of humour.
“It’s a lovely area – you talk to strangers. Everyone saw her as quite an opinionated politician, but to us she was just a person in the community.
“First of all, we got back and saw police and thought maybe it was a burglary, a lot of us suspected she had a heart attack or something.”
“She didn’t deserve to die like that,” Mr Gilbert added.
Friends say they will remember Widdecombe’s kindness
11:00 , James ReynoldsGawain Towler, a board member of Reform UK, told The Independent that “despite her public image of ‘Doris Karloff’” - as she was once infamously dubbed - “she was a deeply kind woman”.
He recalled once, when he arrived hours early for an event with his then 12-year-old son in tow, the interest she took in the child.
“She was plain speaking,” he said, “and of course perhaps her most famous comment was about Michael Howard, that he had ‘something of the night” about him. But I will remember her as a friend and as a kind and thoughtful woman”.
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
10:41 , James ReynoldsAnn Widdecombe suddenly stopped responding to messages moments before she was due to appear on air for interview on Wednesday, the day before she was found at her dead at her Dartmoor home.
Ms Widdecombe, 78, was set to be a guest on 5 Daytime on Wednesday afternoon but stopped replying to the broadcaster and did not turn up for her slot, according to Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker.
“The team contacted her agent to ask them to check in on her. This information has been passed to police as it's part of the investigation,” he said in a post on social media.
In full:
Ann Widdecombe’s missing hours revealed that could hold key to finding her killer
Police ask for CCTV and dashcam footage
10:30 , James ReynoldsPolice are urging anyone who has seen anything suspicious or has CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward.
As they continue their manhunt following Ann Widdecombe’s death, they have asked people not to speculate about what might have happened.
Devon and Cornwall Police said: “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.”
