Ann Widdecombe death sparks murder probe – police launch manhunt for 'white male' suspect
The death of the former Tory minister and Reform politician was announced on Friday morning.
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of Express columnist and former MP Ann Widdecombe. The death of the former Tory and Reform politician was announced this morning, with tributes quickly pouring in. This afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police described her death at her home as "suspicious", and said officers are hunting for a suspect.
The force said police officers were called to an address at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am yesterday, on July 9. The statement continued: "Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries." Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, the force added.
On Friday afternoon, police announced detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.
A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene.
The force added officers are conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, and members of the public will notice a significant police presence in the area.
Police are working to track down a suspect, believed to be a white male, Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson.
She said: "This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.
"We are particularly keen to hear from 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 our investigation.
"We have an increased uniformed police presence in the area to both support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents. Anyone with concerns can speak with our officers at the scene.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2227813/Ann-Widdecombe-death-police