Police say Widdecombe murder inquiry suspect is white male, and inquiry ‘moving at significant pace’
The police say their suspect in the Ann Widdecombe murder investigation is a white male.
DCI Ilona Rosson from Devon and Cornwall police 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.
Key events
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said that he was “shocked” to learn of the circumstances around Widdecombe’s death.
“The police investigation must now take its course and I hope anybody with relevant information will contact them.”
We are still waiting for the news conference by Devon and Cornwall police to begin. It has been delayed, and we are not exactly sure what time we will hear from them but we expect it to be soon.
You can watch along in the feed at the top of this blog when it begins.
Angela Rayner, Labour MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, has called the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death “deeply disturbing and distressing”.
She added: “It’s right that we pay tribute across the divides to Ann’s many years of public service.”
Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North, has said that Widdecombe’s “untimely death” is “deeply chilling”, in a post on X.
Burnham sends ‘deepest condolences’ to Widdecombe’s family
A spokesperson for Andy Burnham has said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Speaking to broadcasters at Chequers, Keir Starmer has said that the suspect is “clearly dangerous”.
He said he would not speculate about the potential motive, but urged the public to help catch the suspect.
“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said that he is “really shocked and distressed at the news about Ann Widdecombe.”
In a statement posted on X, he said “She was a woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service. The idea that she could have been murdered is truly horrifying.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all who loved her.”
Andrew Sparrow
Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke has said he is “devastated” to hear that Ann Widdecombe has died. As the Press Association reports, the pair were partnered together on the BBC One dancing programme in 2010.
In a video shared on X prior to police announcing they had launched a murder investigation into her death, he said:
I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing.
She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.
We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.
My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.
That is all from me for today. Sundus Abdi is taking over now.
In a clip for broadcasters recorded at Chequers, Keir Starmer said the news that a murder inquiry has been launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe is “really shocking”.
He said:
This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide, and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.
He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.
The press conference being held by Devon and Cornwall police about the murder of Ann Widdecombe is now expected to start at 5pm.
Kemi Badenoch has said the news that police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe has left her struggling for words.
She said:
I’ve really struggled to find the words to say … I don’t understand how someone could do something so horrific to an elderly person.
It is a nasty, horrific attack and my heart is breaking for her family.
It’s one thing when someone dies, but to know that they have been murdered in this horrible way is just awful.
Keir Starmer has said is “really shocking news” that police have launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe. He praised her as a “distinguished politician”.
Kitty Donaldson, the i’s chief political commentator, has written a nice account of a recent dinner with Ann Widdecombe that she published earlier today. It includes this paragraph.
Over dinner she talked fondly of how her regular spot on Jeremy Vine’s show gave her a reason to leave her remote Dartmoor cottage and come to London. Asked if she was ever frightened at being so isolated, she said she had never even considered the question.
Some of Ann Widdecombe’s friends and admirers think she should have been given a seat in the House of Lords. Earlier, before the police announced a murder investigation was underway, Tim Montgomerie posted this on social media. Montgomerie, like Widdecombe, spent many years as a Tory (he founded the ConservativeHome website), but then defected to Reform UK.
He said:
Year after year the Conservative Party elevated nobody after nobody to the House of Lords but it refused to enoble Ann Widdecombe despite her popularity amongst party members and tireless service on the frontbench. She was simply too willing to criticise Tory ministers doing a bad job and shs was far too independent-minded full stop.
We loved her in Reform and so sad there won’t now ever be an opportunity to celebrate a Baroness Widdecombe.
But Ann’s faith was so strong and she’s now in the loving arms of her Creator…. and she’s undoubtedly giving him a piece of her mind. Or soon will be!
RIP Ann.
Ann Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news the police had launched a murder investigation into her death.
The statement said:
We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.
We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon and Cornwall police.
Most of the public tributes to Ann Widdecombe today have come from former colleagues in the Conservative party, which she represented in the Commons, or from the Brexit party, which is now Reform UK, which she briefly represented in the European parliament.
But Downing Street paid tribute earlier. At the lobby briefing, a No 10 spokesperson said:
She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country.
And the Labour MP Stella Creasy, whose views on issues like abortion are very different from Widdecombe’s, has posted this on social media within the last few minutes.
No one can deny Ann Widdecombe was a towering presence in our politics who fought for what she thought was right with determination and eloquence.
You don’t have to agree with those views to recognise that contribution and feel for those who have lost a friend, as well as be shocked to hear of these developments.
Shabana Mahmood says circumstances of Widdecombe’s death ‘extremely distressing’
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has said the circumstances of Ann Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing”. But she has urged people not to speculate online.
Mahmood says:
I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.
Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
I have spoken to the chief constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.
