Police arrest murder suspect after Ann Widdecombe found dead with serious injuries
26-Year-old arrested as detectives investigate former MP’s killing
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead at her home in Dartmoor police have said.
Widdecombe’s body was discovered with “serious injuries” at an address in Haytor, Devon after ambulance crews were called to the property at 11.40 am on Thursday according to Devon and Cornwall Police.
Speaking at a press conference in Exeter Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that a 26-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday. He remains in police custody while detectives continue their inquiries.
Police said Widdecombe’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives from the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry and are carrying out extensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding the former politician’s death.
Roads around the property have been closed and a cordon remains in place while specialist forensic officers examine the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson described the case as an “extremely tragic incident” and said the investigation was progressing quickly.
“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace,” she said. “We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.”
Rosson appealed for information from members of the public particularly anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the Haytor Vale or Haytor area or who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.
