A MAN has been arrested over the death of Ann Widdecombe as questions swirl around the shocking case.
The 78-year-old former Tory minister turned Reform UK politician & TV star was found dead at her Dartmoor home yesterday.
Ann Widdecombe, former Tory minister turned Reform UK politician Credit: Reuters
It is understood the politician was found with a serious head injury, covered in blood, by her horrified carer – but her cause of death hasn’t been confirmed.
Devon and Cornwall Police this afternoon announced they have launched a murder investigation into Widdecombe’s death.
Sign up for The Jattvibe newsletter
Thank you!
Details of the suspicious circumstances of Widdecombe’s death had been kept under wraps over concerns of foul play.
Now a 26-year-old white British man has been arrested by cops over her death.
Devon and Cornwall Police this afternoon announced they have launched a murder investigation into Widdecombe’s death Credit: SWNS
Cops said the suspect was taken into custody just 11 miles away from Widdecombe’s house Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
What you need to know…
Police said the suspect was taken into custody in Newton Abbot, just 11 miles away from Widdecombe’s house.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the investigation is not being treated as terror-related.
There was “no information” to suggest the murder of Widdecombe was a “politically motivated crime” at this time, he told reporters.
When asked if the suspect was known to the victim he replied: “We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those enquiries. So [it is] too early for me to comment further on that at this time.”
The suspect remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
Sources earlier said police were trying to establish whether Widdecombe may have died following an accidental fall or if she was the victim of an attacker.
But soon after cops launched a murder probe and said they were looking for a “white male” who they believe is responsible.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said in a statement earlier today: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
Details of the suspicious circumstances of her death had been kept under wraps over concerns of foul play Credit: Alamy
Widdecombe appearing on Talk TV on Wednesday
“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.”
Cops said her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A coroner will review her cause of death and a formal inquest will be held at a later date.
A spokesman for the coroner’s office for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay said: “Preliminary inquiries are ongoing.”
The force were called Widdecombe’s home in Dartmoor, Devon, at around 11.40am on Thursday by the ambulance service.
Officers spoke to a carer who worked for the former MP and is believed to have found her body.
A cordon has sealed off the road leading to her Dartmoor home, near Newton Abbot.
And a significant police presence has swarmed the area.
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”.
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 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”.
Ann was born in Bath, Somerset, on October 4, 1947.
Her father, James Murray Widdecombe CB OBE, was Head of Naval Supplies & Transport at the Ministry of Defence.
Before venturing into the world of politics, she started her career in marketing at Unilever in 1973.
Two years later, she became senior administrator at London University, where she stayed until 1987.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Jattvibe Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheJattvibe.
