POLICE are working on the theory that Ann Widdecombe was murdered in a burglary that went wrong, The Jattvibe understands.
The 78-year-old was bludgeoned to death in her Dartmoor home — sustaining severe blunt trauma wounds to her head.
Ms Widdecombe was reportedly living alone at her remote home in Dartmoor Credit: PA
The body of Ms Widdecombe was found by a carer in remote Haytor, Devon.
It is believed the killer was caught on CCTV cameras at her home.
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A 26-year-old man was then arrested at an address in nearby Newton Abbot, 11 miles away from Widdecombe’s house.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the death was not being treated as terrorism, and he had no information to suggest it was politically motivated.
ANN ‘MURDER’
‘Man in hiking clothes arrived at Ann Widdecombe’s house in middle of night’
ANN ARREST
Man, 26, arrested after Ann Widdecombe ‘MURDERED’ as cops ‘open-minded’ over why
It is believed the killer was caught on CCTV cameras at Ms Widdecombe’s home
Cops are understood to be examining the theory that Ms Widdecombe died in a break-in gone wrong
In a press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed a 26-year-old white British national had been arrested Credit: PA
Roads surrounding the home were sealed off for forensic examinations Credit: PA
What you need to know…
Police were checking to see if Ms Widdecombe, a campaigner on stalking and harassment issues, had received any threats.
The former Conservative had become Reform UK’s immigration and justice spokeswoman.
ACC Longman refused to comment on if it could have been burglary gone wrong, adding: “We remain open-minded.”
A neighbour claimed a man driving a van had turned up in the middle of the night at Ms Widdecombe’s home.
They said that the man was white and British, and dressed in hiking clothes.
Roads surrounding the home were sealed off for forensic examinations.
During a press confereence ACC Longman said: “We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while enquiries continue. It is not being treated as terrorism.
Tributes have begun to flood in for Ms Widdecombe Credit: PA:Press Association
Officers attended Ms Widdecombe’s home and spoke to a carer who is understood to have found her body Credit: Alamy
“A cordon remains at the property and locals will see significant police presence in the area. This is an extremely tragic incident.”
Officers attended Ms Widdecombe’s home yesterday morning and spoke to a carer who worked for the former MP and is believed to have found her body.
Ms Widdecombe was due to be a guest on Channel 5’s Matt Alright show on Wednesday afternoon, but did not appear.
She had exchanged messages with a researcher from the show, but did not respond when they tried to contact her to join a Zoom call from home.
The last message received by the researcher was at 12:19pm, following voice calls and messages to Ms Widdecombe went unanswered.
Details of the suspicious circumstances of her death had initially been kept under wraps over concerns of foul play.
Calls and texts sent after the programme aired remained unanswered, ITV said, and the Channel 5 show’s team followed up with her agent later on Wednesday and on Thursday.
Ms Widdecombe’s management said they are “absolutely devastated” by the news that cops have launched a murder investigation into her death, a statement said.
Cloud9 Management said the former MP “loved the cut and thrust of political debate” and was a “consummate professional”.
Anne Widdecombe’s nephew, Roger Widdecombe, has thanked the public for their messages of support.
Detectives have cordoned off the property as they probe the tragedy Credit: PA
Devon and Cornwall Police took a man into custody in nearby Newton Abbot Credit: SWNS
Speaking at the front door of his white fronted Victorian terraced home in Cheltenham, Mr Widdecombe said: “My thanks go to everybody who has sent messages of condolences.
“But we are not going to say anything further at this stage. Thank you.”
Neighbours said Ms Widdecombe had withdrawn from the community after moving to the area in 2008.
Previously she had helped with events including setting up Widdecombe Fair.
But recently she was seen only driving her silver Kia down the lanes or taking out her bins on Wednesdays.
One neighbour, Debbie Cornthwaite, an equestrian worker, said: “I wonder if it’s a break in gone wrong.
“She was quite feisty. She was only 5ft1 but she was feisty.”
Many locals refused to talk about the death, saying that everyone in the community was shocked and wanting answers.
When asked by reporters if anything had been stolen from the property, ACC Longman said: “The key thing I think for us is obviously all our efforts today are focused on this investigation to get the right outcome for her family, friends, but also to make our communities feel safe and confident that we have some of the best officers working on it.”
News of the police probe into the politician’s death has stunned the world of politics and her many supporters and admirers.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the circumstances around Ms Widdecombe’s death are “extremely distressing”, adding: “My thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones”.
Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has paid tribute to “formidable politician” Ann.
Departing PM Keir Starmer said it was “really shocking news” that police had launched a murder investigation and praised the former MP as a “distinguished politician”.
Ms Widdecombe’s former Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke said he was “devastated” to hear that she had died.
