Police have launched a manhunt for a “white male” suspected of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home.
Devon and Cornwall Police announced this afternoon that the force was investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of the 78-year-old at the Dartmoor property.
The force confirmed they were investigating the chance that foul play could have been involved after she was found dead, having sustained serious injuries, on Thursday morning.
A statement from the force reads: “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.”
A spokesman for the coroner’s office for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay said: “Preliminary inquiries are ongoing.”
Road closures are in place surrounding the property while the investigation is underway as police check local and neighbours’ CCTV footage in the Haytor area, a small village in Dartmoor National Park.
In the statement, the police force said they had been called to Ms Widdecombe’s house at around 11.40am on Thursday.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace.
“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.”
Sir Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news” police launched a murder investigation into the death of the “distinguished politician”.
He confirmed he had spoken with the Chief Constable, as well as Nigel Farage, Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham as he said it was a moment to “rise above any political differences”.
“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 told reporters at Chequers.
“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,” Sir Keir added.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives’ Kemi Badenoch said she was “stunned” the news and that her “heart is breaking for her family”.
Ms Widdecombe’s management said they were “absolutely devastated” by the news of the murder investigation. They echoed calls for those with information to reach out to police.
The ex-MEP’s death was confirmed early this morning by her representative.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has spoken to Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, the People’s Channel can disclose.
GB News has approached Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service for comment.
The Home Secretary has urged people to avoid speculation to allow the police investigation to continue following talks with the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police.
Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the Home Office “stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.
Ms Mahmood said: “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.”
Throughout her career, she was an outspoken backer of leaving the EU, and served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party.
She also served as a Tory MP for over two decades before leaving the Commons in 2010.
Nearly a decade later, Ms Widdecombe returned to elected politics, leaving her mark on the EU for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK precursor – and later would represent Reform as its immigration and justice spokeswoman.
Since Ms Widdecombe’s death was confirmed this morning, tributes have been pouring in for the high-flying political figure.
This afternoon, Downing Street said the Prime Minister was “saddened” to hear of Ms Widdecombe’s death.
A spokeswoman for Sir Keir Starmer 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.”
Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, told GB News she was an “incredible orator” and “incredibly fearless”, having known Ms Widdecombe since she was involved in the Brexit Party.
