Detectives say inquiry is moving “at a significant pace” after 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder is ruled out

THE MURDER investigation into the death of former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe has taken a dramatic new turn after the only suspect arrested in the case was released from custody and eliminated from police enquiries.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed early on Saturday morning (July 11) that the 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday is “no longer part of the investigation”.

The development leaves detectives searching for the person responsible for the death of the 78-year-old former MP, who was found dead with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said detectives remained focused on identifying those responsible.

He said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.

“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Last known movements emerge

New details have also emerged about Widdecombe’s final known communications.

The former minister appeared on TalkTV on Wednesday morning, discussing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Later that day she was reportedly due to take part in a video interview for a Channel 5 current affairs programme.

According to reports, a researcher exchanged messages with Widdecombe shortly after midday, with her final known response received at 12.19pm.

A further message sent shortly before a scheduled Zoom interview went unanswered.

Television presenter Dan Walker later revealed that concerns were raised after Widdecombe failed to join the programme and stopped responding to messages.

The information has since been passed to police as part of the investigation.

Found with serious injuries

Police were called to Widdecombe’s home, known as Widdecombe’s Rest, in the village of Haytor on the edge of Dartmoor, at around 11.40am on Thursday after concerns were raised.

Officers attended alongside the ambulance service and discovered Widdecombe had suffered serious injuries and had died at the scene.

Her death was initially announced publicly on Friday morning by her management team, which at the time made no mention of suspicious circumstances.

However, just hours later, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team had launched a murder inquiry.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot on Friday afternoon before being released overnight.

Police presence remains

A large police cordon remains in place around the property, with forensic officers continuing examinations throughout Saturday.

Road closures are still in force around the scene while officers carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV and other evidence.

Police have stressed there is currently no indication the incident was politically motivated and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.

Mr Longman said the investigation was still in its early stages but was progressing rapidly.

“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened,” he said.

Tributes continue

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the death as “really shocking news” and said he had spoken with political leaders including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the circumstances “extremely distressing” and urged the public to avoid speculation.

In Wales, Reform UK Wales described Widdecombe as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”.

Senedd members Laura Anne Jones and Llŷr Powell also paid tribute, while former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said: “You always knew where you stood with Ann.”

Community in shock

Residents in Haytor have spoken of their disbelief at events in what is normally regarded as one of Devon’s safest rural communities.

Neighbour Christine Maloney said locals frequently left doors and cars unlocked.

“It’s very, very safe around here,” she said. “I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now.”

Another resident, Simon Gilbert, said: “She didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Widdecombe moved to the property in 2008 after retiring from Parliament, naming it Widdecombe’s Rest because, she said at the time, it would be “the rest of my life”.

Police have appealed for anyone with information, dashcam footage or CCTV from the Haytor area to contact officers immediately.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police quoting the incident.

Five people are now in custody following a collision involving a car and an off-road motorcycle

THREE more men have been arrested after an 18-year-old died following a collision between a car and an off-road motorcycle in Gorseinon.

South Wales Police were called to Pen Cae Crwn Road at around 12:58pm on Thursday, where the teenager, who is believed to have been from Swansea, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital with injuries.

Two 18-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

Police confirmed on Friday that a further three arrests had been made.

A 33-year-old man from Gorseinon was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 38-year-old man from Gowerton and a 38-year-old man from Mount Pleasant were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The latest arrests bring the total number of people detained in connection with the investigation to five.

Several roads in the area remained closed on Friday morning while officers continued their investigation.

Cordons had been removed from some streets, although traffic cones, road signs and police tape remained at the roadside.

Gorseinon Rugby Club chairman Ian Murphy said the local community had been left in “deep shock”.

He said: “For youngsters to get involved in a tragedy like this is shocking and disturbing, very disturbing for us all.

“Everybody was talking about it. All the roads were closed by police and ambulances, so it took a while for it to sink in what was going on.

“We were aware that there might have been a chase involving a car and a motorbike, and the full tragedy unfolded from there.”

South Wales Police has not confirmed the circumstances leading up to the collision, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has praised the former minister’s “conviction and dedication”, while political figures in Wales remembered her as fearless, honest and a powerful public speaker

WELSH politicians have joined tributes to former Conservative minister and Reform UK campaigner Ann Widdecombe after police launched a murder investigation into her death.

The 78-year-old was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, at around midday on Thursday, July 9.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the address by the ambulance service.

A murder inquiry has now been launched, with police seeking a white male believed to be connected with her death.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said the investigation was in its early stages but was moving at a significant pace.

She said: “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.”

A cordon remains around the property while specialist officers carry out forensic examinations.

Police have appealed for anyone with information, or with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage from the Haytor Vale area, to come forward.

Officers have also urged people not to speculate online while the investigation continues.

Prime Minister pays tribute

A spokeswoman for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described Widdecombe as “a distinctive figure in British politics”.

She said the Prime Minister was saddened by her death and “pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death as “extremely distressing”.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called her a “formidable politician” who was never afraid to speak her mind.

She said: “My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.

“She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed.

“Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in peace, Ann.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said Widdecombe’s decision to stand for the Brexit Party in the 2019 European elections had been a major boost to the campaign.

He said: “The voters loved her. She played a decisive role in getting Brexit over the line and will be missed by us all.”

Tributes from Wales

Reform UK Wales said it was “incredibly sad” to hear of Widdecombe’s death.

The party described her as “a true patriot and a fierce champion of Brexit”, noting her prominent involvement with both the Brexit Party and Reform UK.

Reform UK Senedd member Laura Anne Jones said she had met and listened to Widdecombe speak on several occasions.

She described her as “a true powerhouse and a very clever and eloquent speaker”, who always stood up powerfully for her beliefs.

Ms Jones added that her thoughts were with Widdecombe’s family and friends.

Fellow Reform UK Senedd member Llŷr Powell said he first met Widdecombe during the Brexit Party campaign in 2019.

He described her as “a true force in British politics, principled, fearless and never afraid to stand up for what she believed in”.

Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies also paid tribute.

He said: “I’m so sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has died.

“You always knew where you stood with Ann. She was honest, straight-talking and always sincere in her beliefs.”

The Welsh reaction reflects Widdecombe’s continued influence within Reform UK, which has become a significant force in Senedd politics.

Although she never represented a Welsh constituency, she campaigned alongside politicians who later became leading figures in Reform UK Wales and remained one of the party’s best-known national spokespeople.

Long political career

Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone and later Maidstone and The Weald from 1987 until 2010.

She held several ministerial positions under former prime minister Sir John Major, including employment minister and prisons minister.

Known for her socially conservative views and forceful debating style, she became one of Westminster’s most recognisable personalities.

She famously criticised former Conservative leader Michael Howard by saying there was “something of the night” about him.

After leaving the House of Commons, Widdecombe became widely known to a new audience through television appearances, including Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

A prominent Eurosceptic, she left the Conservatives and joined Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in 2019.

She was elected to the European Parliament for South West England and served as an MEP until the United Kingdom left the European Union.

She later became involved with Reform UK and remained an active campaigner and media commentator until shortly before her death.

Her management company said her life had been driven by strong Christian values and a commitment to public service.

It said: “Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities.

“A consummate professional and a delight to work with, indefatigable to the last, we know this news will come as a great shock to the many colleagues and friends she made along the way.”

No arrests had been announced at the time of publication.

Anyone with information should contact Devon and Cornwall Police, quoting Operation Hunlen.