Detectives say inquiry is moving “at a significant pace” after 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is ruled out
THE MURDER investigation into the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe has taken a dramatic new turn after the only suspect arrested in the case was released from custody and eliminated from police enquiries.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed early on Saturday morning (July 11) that the 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday is “no longer part of the investigation”.
The development leaves detectives searching for the person responsible for the death of the 78-year-old former MP, who was found dead with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives remained focused on identifying those responsible.
He said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.
“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Last known movements emerge
New details have also emerged about Widdecombe’s final known communications.
The former minister appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning, discussing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Later that day she was reportedly due to take part in a video interview for a Channel 5 current affairs programme.
According to reports, a researcher exchanged messages with Widdecombe shortly after midday, with her final known response received at 12.19pm.
A further message sent shortly before a scheduled Zoom interview went unanswered.
Television presenter Dan Walker later revealed that concerns were raised after Widdecombe failed to join the programme and stopped responding to messages.
The information has since been passed to police as part of the investigation.
Found with serious injuries
Police were called to Widdecombe’s home, known as Widdecombe’s Rest, in the village of Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday after concerns were raised.
Officers attended alongside the ambulance service and discovered Widdecombe had suffered serious injuries and had died at the scene.
Her death was initially announced publicly on Friday morning by her management team, which at the time made no mention of suspicious circumstances.
However, just hours later, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team had launched a murder inquiry.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon before being released overnight.
Police presence remains
A large police cordon remains in place around the property, with forensic officers continuing examinations throughout Saturday.
Road closures are still in force around the scene while officers carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV and other evidence.
Police have stressed there is currently no indication the incident was politically motivated and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Mr Longman said the investigation was still in its early stages but was progressing rapidly.
“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened,” he said.
Tributes continue
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the death as “really shocking news” and said he had spoken with political leaders including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances “extremely distressing” and urged the public to avoid speculation.
In Wales, Reform UK Wales described Widdecombe as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”.
Senedd members Laura Anne Jones and Llŷr Powell also paid tribute, while former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “You always knew where you stood with Ann.”
Community in shock
Residents in Haytor have spoken of their disbelief at events in what is normally regarded as one of Devon’s safest rural communities.
Neighbour Christine Maloney said locals frequently left doors and cars unlocked.
“It’s very, very safe around here,” she said. “I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now.”
Another resident, Simon Gilbert, said: “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
Widdecombe moved to the property in 2008 after retiring from Parliament, naming it Widdecombe’s Rest because, she said at the time, it would be “the rest of my life”.
Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the Haytor area to contact officers immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police quoting the incident.
