Employee found Ann Widdecombe unresponsive with ‘visible injuries’, inquest hears

• An inquest has opened into the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July.
• The hearing at Exeter Coroner’s Court heard that she had suffered "visible injuries" when discovered.
• She was found unresponsive by an employee conducting a welfare check after concerns were raised about her being uncontactable.
• Emergency services pronounced her dead at 12.20 pm on 9 July at her address in Haytor Vale.
• A post-mortem examination has been conducted, but the precise medical cause of death is yet to be established, and the inquest will be suspended pending criminal proceedings.

IN FULL

Ann Widdecombe’s cause of death yet to be established, inquest hears