Police believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday, nearly 24 hours before her body was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor. The 78-year-old former MP and MEP was discovered dead by the ambulance service at 11.40am on Thursday, July 9.
A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at Newton Abbot but has since been released from custody and is “no longer part of the investigation”, according to Devon and Cornwall Police. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.”
“Police arrest 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe, but release him and say he's no longer part of investigation.”
Widdecombe, who served as a Conservative MP and later joined Reform UK, had appeared on TalkTV from her home on Wednesday morning and spoke to a Channel 5 researcher about setting up a video statement. Her last message was received at 12.19pm; police believe the attack occurred 11 minutes later. The researcher sent further messages but received no response.
A murder investigation was launched after her death was first reported on Friday. ACC Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.” Officers have urged anyone with information to come forward, adding there is “nothing to suggest it was politically motivated” or terror-related.
A cordon remains in place at the property as forensic examinations continue. Widdecombe’s next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. The investigation continues, with detectives conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries in the area.
