Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, with serious head injuries.
Emergency services were called to the property on the morning of 9 July. Officers discovered Widdecombe deceased, covered in blood, and her next‑of‑kin were notified.
Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team are leading the inquiry, which is being conducted as a homicide case with no indication of a terrorism motive.
A 26‑year‑old white British man was arrested on 10 July in Newton Abbot in connection with the case, but he was released the following morning and is no longer part of the investigation.
Police have confirmed that a second suspect, a 28‑year‑old British national, was arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July in South Yorkshire.
Investigators believe the attack may have occurred on 8 July around 12:30 pm, after Widdecombe failed to respond to a series of WhatsApp messages and phone calls from a television producer who was arranging a Zoom appearance for her.
Witnesses reported seeing a van arrive at Widdecombe’s residence in the early hours of the day she died, and a neighbour described a white man in hiking clothing near the property.
Local residents expressed shock and grief, describing Widdecombe as a “lovely lady” who kept to herself but was well‑known in the community.
Political figures called for calm and emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, noting that there is currently no evidence suggesting a political motive.
Police continue to search for the individual responsible and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
