{"id":693661,"date":"2026-07-15T21:16:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T21:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/693661\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T21:16:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T21:16:21","slug":"what-happened-to-ann-widdecombe-police-announce-major-update-on-murder-probe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/693661\/","title":{"rendered":"What happened to Ann Widdecombe? Police announce major update on murder probe"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WEST<\/p>\n

Counter-terror police are leading the investigation into the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe<\/a>. <\/p>\n

The former Tory minister and Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home on Dartmoor, Devon<\/a>, on Thursday morning having suffered serious head injuries – but police believe that she was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was discovered.<\/p>\n

\"<p>Ann<\/p>\n

Ann Widdecombe suspect arrest <\/p>\n

Sky News <\/p>\n

“New information\u202fand evidence have come to light during what has been a dynamic and complex investigation\u202fand as a result, Counter Terrorism Policing\u202fSouth East\u202f(CTPSE) is now leading the investigation.<\/p>\n

“The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of\u202fcommission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.”<\/p>\n

Here is everything we know about Ann Widdecombe\u2019s death<\/a> so far.<\/p>\n

Ann Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947. <\/p>\n

She had a long political career serving as Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, in Kent <\/a>for 23 years.<\/p>\n

\"Shadow<\/p>\n

Shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe highlights the asylum crisis on a visit to Calais, France in 2001 (Sean Dempsey\/PA)<\/p>\n

PA Archive<\/p>\n

She was also Minister of State for Employment from 1994 to 1995 and Minister of State for Prisons from between 1995 and 1997 under John Major.<\/p>\n

Following her time in government, she found fame outside politics after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.<\/p>\n

Miss Widdecombe, a supporter of the UK’s departure from the EU, later became a Brexit Party MEP, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019 and 2020.<\/p>\n

She subsequently became a Reform UK spokeswoman, joining the party in 2023, and making a number of appearances as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.<\/p>\n

\"Police<\/p>\n

Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have made an arrest (Ben Birchall\/PA)<\/p>\n

PA Archive<\/p>\n

What happened to her and when?<\/p>\n

Devon and Cornwall Police<\/a> were called to Miss Widdecombe\u2019s home in Haytor Vale, a village within the Dartmoor National Park, at around 11.40am on Thursday, where they found her dead with serious injuries.<\/p>\n

Her death was announced on Friday morning.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor<\/p>\n

PA<\/p>\n

In a statement, her management team said: “We know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way.”<\/p>\n

On Friday afternoon, police issued a statement saying they had launched a murder investigation<\/a> in connection to Miss Widdecombe\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Her management team then released a further statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by news of the investigation after a \u201cvery traumatic and upsetting 24 hours”.<\/p>\n

Devon<\/a> and Cornwall Police originally said there was no reason to believe that the death was politically motivated or connected to terrorism. <\/p>\n

However, counter-terror officers did support the force during the arrest in Yorkshire and on Monday it was announced they would be taking over the investigation. <\/p>\n

What do we know about the suspect?<\/p>\n

On Saturday night, a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Miss Widdecombe\u2019s murder around 270 miles away from the crime scene. <\/p>\n

CCTV appears to show armed police storming the address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, and taking the white British national into custody. <\/p>\n

Communist and other political literature was reportedly found at the home of the suspected killer. <\/p>\n

Devon and Cornwall Police had originally said there was no suggestion that Miss Widdicombe\u2019s death was linked terrorism. <\/p>\n

However, counter-terror detectives have now taken over the case and are investigating whether the former MP was bludgeoned to death in a premeditated attack on Reform UK.<\/p>\n

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman has said that officers are not currently looking for anyone else in relation to Miss Widdecombe\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

\"<p>Head<\/p>\n

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, reads a statement on the investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe on Tuesday, July 14<\/p>\n

PA<\/p>\n

Police are probing whether the suspect was motivated by left-wing extremism and planning further violence against other high-profile figures.<\/p>\n

Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor told reporters on Tuesday the question of whether a TV appearance might have motivated her killing is also a \u201cline of inquiry\u201d.<\/p>\n

Miss Widdecombe spoke to Mark Dolan by video-link on Talk TV just after 8am on Wednesday – a little more than four hours before police believe she was attacked.<\/p>\n

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the man was not known to the Government’s Prevent anti-terror scheme.<\/p>\n

A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder in connection with Miss Widdecombe\u2019s death – however he was released from custody on Saturday and is no longer part of the investigation. <\/p>\n

While Miss Widdecombe\u2019s body was discovered on Thursday morning, police believe that she died around 12.30pm on Wednesday afternoon.<\/p>\n

She was to appear on due on Channel 5\u2018s Matt Allwright show at 1pm to answer questions about party leader Nigel Farage\u2018s Clacton-on-Sea by-election and the inquiry into his finances. <\/p>\n

\"Police<\/p>\n

Police outside the house of Ann Widdecombe in Haytor in Dartmoor<\/p>\n

PA<\/p>\n

Text messages released to the public show Miss Widdecombe\u2019s talking to one of the show\u2019s producers, with her final message being sent at 12.19pm.<\/p>\n

She did not respond to a Zoom link sent at 12.48pm, and failed to answer further calls and messages from the production staff.<\/p>\n

There have been numerous reports about a \u201cmystery car\u201d seen near Miss Widdecombe\u2019s house around the time of the attack.<\/p>\n

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told media that he had been told a car was seen on her driveway at approximately 12.25 to 12.30pm on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

The manager of a garage in Haytor alerted police at around 9am on Wednesday after his colleague spotted a dark VW Golf Mk4 parked in a \u201cstrange place\u201d near Miss Widdecombe’s home.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson, home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, and deputy leader Richard Tice pay their respects near the home of Ann Widdecombe<\/p>\n

PA<\/p>\n

He said: \u201c[The Golf] was at the top of the lane near Ann’s place. If it was a local they would have parked in the car park or one of the lay\u2013bys.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was doing up his walking boots. He was in his late 20s, maybe early 30s. He was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. I remember thinking, “Why is he parked there?” He was halfway out the lay-by.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn’t look like he fitted in. You don’t see many late 20s, early 30s men around here. He was heading up in that direction [of Ann’s house].\u201d<\/p>\n

Police have not confirmed any further details regarding the car or suspect.<\/p>\n

The Sun released CCTV footage that they claim is of the suspect for Miss Widdecombe\u2019s murder getting into a car with an object that appears to be a wooden stick in his shorts pocket.<\/p>\n

The footage appears to have been recorded shortly before 8am on Wednesday – four and a half hours and 267 miles away from the scene of the attack.<\/p>\n

\"Police<\/p>\n

Police activity in Rotherham (Dave Higgens\/PA)<\/p>\n

PA Wire<\/p>\n

The Sun have also obtained CCTV that they claim shows police arriving to arrest the man just before 10pm on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Officers in balaclavas stormed the terraced property and arrested the suspect without a struggle.<\/p>\n

What has been the reaction to her death?<\/p>\n

A number of politicians and prominent figures have made statements following the announcement of Miss Widdecombe\u2019s death.<\/p>\n

Sir Keir said: He said: \u201cThis is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnn was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it\u2019s a huge, huge loss.<\/p>\n

\"Sir<\/p>\n

Sir Keir Starmer<\/p>\n

PA Wire<\/p>\n

He added that he had spoken to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, as well as Andy Burnham, to \u201curge everybody to come together”.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnn Widdecombe was a very fun and feisty woman who spoke her mind and she was 78 years old, she was an elderly woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person. It was a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch<\/p>\n

PA<\/p>\n

A spokeswoman for Andy Burnham said: \u201cAndy\u2019s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann\u2019s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnn gave a lifetime of public service, and it\u2019s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anton Du Beke, who was Miss Widdecombe\u2019s dance partner when she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, said he was \u201cdevastated\u201d to hear the news.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive. We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I\u2019m devastated by the news of Ann\u2019s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Ann<\/p>\n

Ann Widdecombe found fame outside politics with her Strictly Come Dancing exploits<\/p>\n

PA Media<\/p>\n

Alison and Simon Gilbert, who have lived in in Haytor Vale for more than a decade, said Ann Widdecombe was a well-known figure locally.<\/p>\n

Mrs Gilbert said: \u201cShe was a nice woman, really nice woman, and she had a great sense of humour.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a lovely area \u2013 you talk to strangers.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone saw her as quite an opinionated politician, but to us she was just a person in the community.<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst of all, we got back and saw police and thought maybe it was a burglary, a lot of us suspected she had a heart attack or something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe didn\u2019t deserve to die like that,\u201d Mr Gilbert added.<\/p>\n

One woman living in Haytor Vale, who did not wish to be named, said: \u201cI never met (Ann Widdecombe) although I\u2019ve lived here all my life.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s tragic, someone gives all their life to public service and then they end like that.<\/p>\n

\u201c(Haytor) is a safe area. Every couple of years or so, somebody goes around the garden sheds and nicks all the expensive gardening equipment. That\u2019s as far as it goes really.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve never had anything close (to this) in all my years.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Counter-terror police are leading the investigation into the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe. The former Tory minister and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":693662,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[228641,2989,5257,14689,59,57,58,25817,50,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-693661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-united-kingdom","tag-ann-widdecombe","tag-death","tag-devon","tag-devon-and-cornwall-police","tag-gb","tag-great-britain","tag-greatbritain","tag-murder-investigation","tag-news","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=693661"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/693661\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/693662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=693661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=693661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=693661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}