Devon and Cornwall police have launched a murder investigation following the suspicious death of former Member of Parliament Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor, Devon.
Ambulance workers alerted officers to the property on Thursday at approximately 11:40 a. m.
The 78-year-old former politician was discovered deceased inside the Haytor address with serious injuries.
Law enforcement officials closed nearby roads, established a cordon around the property for forensic examinations, and deployed a significant police presence on Friday to conduct house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Specially trained officers are supporting Widdecombe's next-of-kin.
Investigation Progressing Quickly
"This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time," said DCI Ilona Rosson.
The investigation remains in its initial stages but is progressing quickly.
Authority figures are utilizing all necessary resources to determine the events and locate a suspect described as a white male.
"Our murder inquiry 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," said DCI Ilona Rosson.
Investigators are seeking any information from the public regarding suspicious activity around Haytor Vale or Haytor, including doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage.
"I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us," said DCI Ilona Rosson.
The increased presence of officers aims to reassure local residents, who are encouraged to approach the police with any concerns.
"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," said DCI Ilona Rosson.
Officials urged the public to refrain from discussing speculative details online to protect the integrity of the case and prevent distress to the family.
"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," said DCI Ilona Rosson.
Widdecombe previously served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald, from 1987 to 2010.
She later joined the Brexit Party, serving as an MEP for South West England between 2019 and 2020, before joining its successor party, Reform UK.
