Ann Widdecombe was attacked in her Dartmoor home nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered in a pool of blood in her kitchen, police believe, as a second man was arrested on suspicion of murder.
The former Tory MP and Strictly Come Dancing star, 78, was found dead at her remote Haytor home at around 11.40am on Thursday, July 9, after carers raised concerns when she stopped answering texts and missed a scheduled interview.
“Ann Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before her body was found; a 28-year-old man arrested.”
Police now believe the attack took place at around 12.30pm on Wednesday, July 8 — the same day the ex-minister had appeared on TalkTV and was due to join a Zoom call for Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday July 8 at around 12.30pm. Our inquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male.”
A 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and taken into custody yesterday evening on suspicion of murder. The suspect, described as a white British national, is set to be interviewed today. Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police supported the arrest.
A 26-year-old man previously arrested in Newton Abbot has been released and is “no longer part of the investigation”, police confirmed.
In a press conference today, ACC Longman urged the public to stop “distressing” speculation over the motive. “I urge people to not share or engage with that speculation,” he said. “It is unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation and it is distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
He confirmed detectives are not looking for another suspect and that there is no wider threat to the public. The force said there is “still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident”.
Miss Widdecombe’s body was discovered in her kitchen by carers after she failed to join a scheduled interview. WhatsApp messages show a producer and Miss Widdecombe exchanged texts from 12.14pm on Wednesday. She was sent a Zoom link and confirmed receipt after technical issues. But when asked to join the call at 12.48pm, the text was no longer opened. A producer tried to call, then messaged: “Hi Ann is everything okay?” before two more call attempts.
The team raised concerns, contacting her agent. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A cordon remains at the property while forensic examinations continue, with road closures in place. ACC Longman appealed for anyone with information to come forward, adding: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this difficult time.”
