Police say Ann Widdecombe was attacked a day before her body was found

Police say Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister, was attacked about 24 hours before her body was discovered at her Haytor, Devon home on Thursday morning. Detectives estimate the assault occurred at roughly 12:30 BST on Wednesday and are focusing on a white male suspect.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the priority remains identifying those responsible and thoroughly examining all evidence. He added that the investigation is progressing quickly and that police are deploying all necessary resources. > "I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us," Longman said.

A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday but was released on Saturday and is no longer part of the inquiry. Longman explained that further details, including suspect descriptions or CCTV footage, will not be released until it is safe to do so, to avoid compromising the investigation.

Police have ruled out terrorism and have not indicated whether the suspect was known to Widdecombe. A significant police presence, including forensic teams, remained at the property on Saturday. Local residents and public figures, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, laid flowers at the scene.

Widdecombe’s death was announced by her management agency on Friday morning without mention of suspicious circumstances. The police later confirmed a murder investigation and issued an appeal for information.

Political leaders across the spectrum expressed shock. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he had spoken with party leaders to urge unity. Former Labour leader Andy Burnham described the event as “one of the worst days many of us have experienced.”