Detectives investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe now believe the former Conservative minister was attacked nearly 24 hours before her body was found at her Dartmoor home.
Police said the assault is thought to have happened at around 12.30pm on Wednesday 8 July, though Widdecombe, 78, was not discovered until the following morning, when a concerned friend asked a neighbour to check on her after being unable to reach her by phone.
Officers and paramedics attended the property, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Suspect released without charge
A 26-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of murder was released from custody on Saturday morning. Police stressed he is no longer connected to the inquiry, which Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman described as fast-moving. Detectives are examining CCTV footage and carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area. A further police update is expected later on Saturday.
Missed television appearance raised alarm
Widdecombe, who had recently taken on a role as Reform UK’s spokeswoman on immigration and justice, was due to appear on a Channel 5 programme at 2.15pm on the day she is believed to have been killed. She stopped responding to messages from a producer shortly before midday and never appeared. Her final public appearance had come earlier that morning, in a TalkTV interview discussing Nigel Farage’s decision to step down as an MP.
Neighbours told reporters they had noticed nothing amiss until they realised she had missed her usual routine of collecting a newspaper from the village shop each morning, something one local said was completely out of character for her.
Possible burglary link being examined
One line of inquiry being pursued by detectives is whether Widdecombe disturbed a burglar at her remote bungalow, which she had named after herself when she moved there in 2008. Neighbours described the area, near Haytor, as normally very safe, with many residents in the habit of leaving doors and cars unlocked, though several said that has now changed. Some pointed out that because the property was named after her, anyone looking for her home would have had little trouble finding it.
Tributes continue to arrive
Political figures from across the spectrum have paid tribute. Nigel Farage said her death showed that public life had become “more dangerous,” while Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch both praised her as a memorable and outspoken figure in British politics. Widdecombe’s former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Anton Du Beke, said he was devastated, recalling their partnership on the show in 2010 as one of genuine friendship.
Floral tributes have continued to be laid near the cordon around her home, including by her long-time driver, who described her as kind-hearted and direct. A memorial Mass is due to be held at Buckfast Abbey, where Widdecombe, who converted to Catholicism in 1993, regularly worshipped.
Police have asked the public not to speculate about the case on social media, saying it risks harming the investigation and causing further distress to Widdecombe’s family, who have asked for privacy at this time.
Anyone with information has been urged to come forward.
