BREAKING: Ann Widdecombe death; murder enquiry launched

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of the former MP and broadcaster Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor.

Police were called to a property in Haytor, Devon, by the ambulance service at about 11:40 BST on Thursday, July 9.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the 78-year-old was found dead at the address, having sustained serious injuries.

Detectives are looking for a suspect described as a white male. A forensic cordon and road closures remain in place around the scene.

'Early stages'

The investigation is being carried out by the force's Major Crime Investigation Team.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: "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."

Officers are carrying out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries, and police said there would be an increased uniformed presence in the Haytor Vale area to reassure residents.

DCI Rosson urged people not to speculate about the death on social media, adding that doing so was "potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends".

Political career

Miss Widdecombe was the Conservative MP for Maidstone, later Maidstone and The Weald, from 1987 until she stepped down at the 2010 general election.

During her time in Westminster, she served as a minister in John Major's government and later became shadow home secretary under William Hague.

She later returned to politics as an MEP for the Brexit Party in 2019. She was also well-known for her media appearances, including on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

Police have asked anyone with information, or who has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage from the area, to contact them quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.