British police have launched a murder investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe after authorities deemed the circumstances surrounding her death suspicious at her home in Dartmoor, Devon. The 78-year-old former government minister was found seriously injured after emergency services responded to her residence at 11:40 a.m. on July 9.
Police have launched a murder investigation after Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home
The Force Major Crime Investigation Team has launched a murder investigation. They are examining the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death, according to The Guardian. Roads surrounding the property were closed while forensic officers examined the scene behind a police cordon. BBC later reported that police have arrested a 26-year-old white British man in Newton Abbot on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Police have also said they do not currently believe the incident was politically motivated or related to terrorism.
Before the arrest, The Guardian quoted Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson as saying, “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time. Our murder inquiry 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 and to locate the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male.”
Rosson also said officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near Haytor Vale, Haytor. She further stated that who has CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed concern over the “extremely distressing” circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death. She wrote on X, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing, and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones. Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for 23 years, from 1987 to 2010. During that time, she held several junior ministerial posts under former Prime Minister John Major. She later joined the Brexit Party in 2019. Then, she served as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England from 2019 to 2020.
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