Police investigating the death of
former Conservative MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have released further details
about the timeline of events leading up to the discovery of her body, as
detectives continue efforts to identify the person responsible.
Authorities believe Widdecombe
sustained serious injuries during an incident at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor
on Wednesday afternoon. Her body was discovered at approximately 11:40 a.m. the
following day after emergency services were called to the property.
Investigators have confirmed that
the death is being treated as suspicious. However, Devon and Cornwall Police
have emphasized that they do not believe there is a wider threat to the public
while inquiries continue.
Widdecombe's
death in her Devon home(Image: Sky News)
Police Outline
Investigation Timeline
Assistant Chief Constable Matt
Longman said detectives believe the incident occurred at around 12:30 p.m. on
Wednesday.
According to reports, Widdecombe
had been scheduled to take part in a media interview later that afternoon. A
researcher working on the program reportedly received a message from her at
approximately 12:19 p.m. ahead of the planned interview.
When preparations began for the
scheduled discussion, a follow-up message was reportedly sent shortly before
1:00 p.m. after there was no further response. Investigators have not indicated
whether those communications are connected to the ongoing inquiry, but they
form part of the broader timeline being examined.
Police are reviewing available
evidence, including communications, forensic findings, and any information that
may help establish exactly what happened during the period between the final
known contact and the discovery of the incident.
Investigation
Continues at Pace
Detectives say significant
investigative resources remain focused on identifying those responsible.
Earlier in the investigation,
officers arrested a 26-year-old British man on suspicion of murder at an
address in Newton Abbot. Police later confirmed that he had been released from
custody while inquiries continue.
Authorities have also stated that
investigators are searching for a suspect believed to be a white male, although
no further identifying details have been released publicly.
Police are
probing the death of Ann Widdecombe(Image: Getty Images)
Appeal for
Information
Assistant Chief Constable Longman
said officers remain committed to establishing the full circumstances
surrounding the incident.
"Our priority remains
identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is
thoroughly examined," he said.
He added that detectives are
pursuing numerous lines of inquiry and urged anyone who may have
information—regardless of how minor it may appear—to contact police.
Investigators are particularly
interested in hearing from anyone who was in the Haytor area during the
relevant period or who may possess information, photographs, video footage, or
other material that could assist the investigation.
Police have also asked members of
the public to avoid speculation, particularly on social media, warning that
unfounded claims could hinder the investigation and cause additional distress
to Widdecombe's family and friends.
Family Requests
Privacy
As the investigation continues,
Widdecombe's family has asked for privacy while they come to terms with the
loss.
Police have established a major
incident portal where members of the public can submit information, images, or
video footage directly to investigators. Information may also be provided
anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.
Detectives say updates will be released as additional
verified information becomes available, while forensic examinations and witness
inquiries continue.
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