Man arrested on suspicion of murder after death of Ann Widdecombe
BBC News 2026-07-10 21:38:20
Context: A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of former MP and government minister Ann Widdecombe was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a rural village on Dartmoor in Devon. The incident is not being treated as terrorism, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is in its early stages, and police have increased their presence in the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.
Key Facts
- A 26-year-old white British national was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon, on Friday and is in custody on suspicion of murder following the death of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe.
- The body of Ann Widdecombe was found by police with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a rural village on Dartmoor in Devon, at about 11:40 BST on Thursday.
- Ann Widdecombe had a long political career, serving as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, and working as a Home Office and employment minister in Sir John Major's government between 1994 to 1997.
- The investigation is being carried out by the Force Major Crime Investigation Team, which is a county-level police unit responsible for investigating the most serious crimes.
- Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage which could assist with their investigation.