The investigation into Ann Widdecombe’s d3ath has taken a dramatic new turn, with police confirming a second arrest and appealing for help tracing the driver of a car reportedly seen near her Dartmoor home before she was allegedly mur;dered.
The former Conservative minister, Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK figure was found d3ad at her cottage in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning. According to the report, she was discovered by someone who went to check on her after concerns were raised when she failed to respond to messages and missed a scheduled television appearance.
Devon and Cornwall Police have said a 28-year-old white British man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of mur;der. The arrest happened roughly 270 miles from Ms Widdecombe’s home, with officers saying the suspect remains in custody while inquiries continue.
The development came after a 26-year-old man who had previously been arrested was released from custody and removed from the investigation. Police have stressed that the inquiry remains active and is moving at significant pace.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in the kitchen of her remote bungalow in Dartmoor
Police remain at the scene outside Ms Widdecombe’s home in Dartmoor on Saturday
Police carry out fingertip searches near Ms Widdecombe’s home on Saturday
Detectives are also seeking the driver of what has been described as a suspicious car. A garage manager in Haytor reportedly contacted police after a colleague noticed something unusual near Ms Widdecombe’s property on Wednesday morning.
The vehicle was described in the report as a dark VW Golf Mk4 parked in what was said to be a strange place near the top of a lane close to her home. The man nearby was reportedly seen doing up his walking boots and heading in the direction of the property.
Police asked the garage for CCTV, though it is understood no footage was available. Officers have continued searches near the cottage, with forensic teams and police carrying out detailed checks around the property and nearby areas.
The timeline now being examined by investigators has added to the intensity surrounding the case. Ms Widdecombe had appeared on TalkTV via video link on Wednesday morning and was later due to appear on Channel 5’s Matt Allwright show.
According to the report, she exchanged messages with a Channel 5 producer shortly after midday, with her final text sent at 12.19pm. Police believe the fatal att@ck may have happened around 12.30pm. A message sent at 12.48pm asking her to join a Zoom link was never opened, and further calls went unanswered.
Ms Widdecombe appeared on Talk TV on Wednesday just days before her death
When she failed to appear for the interview, concern began to grow. Producers later contacted her agent after losing contact, and the alarm was eventually raised the following morning when a friend was unable to reach her.
Police have said there is currently no information to suggest the incident was terror-related, and the force retains primacy of the investigation. Officers have also said there is no evidence at this stage that the killing was politically motivated.
However, the case has sent waves through Westminster and beyond. Nigel Farage visited the scene and laid flowers, describing Ms Widdecombe as a remarkable and redoubtable figure. He said Reform UK was reviewing emails to see whether any relevant threats or abusive messages could assist police.
Mr Farage also suggested the incident looked premeditated, though police have asked the public not to speculate. A source cited in the report said Ms Widdecombe’s family did not want her d3ath hijacked for political purposes and wanted privacy as the investigation continues.
A police officer wearing a face mask and gloves investigates some bushes near Ms Widdecombe’s home
Mr Farage claimed that Ms Widdecombe – whom he described as a friend – was killed in a ‘premeditated’ manner, and ruled out her murder being a burglary gone wrong
The force has opened a major incident public portal for anyone with information, images or footage. Members of the public can also contact police or pass information anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Ms Widdecombe’s long-time driver, Peter Horrell, also laid flowers near her home and said she had never mentioned any fear for her safety. He described his reaction to the latest developments as absolute sh0ck.
Officers are pictured combing for any potential evidence
Police officers have been carrying out a fingertip search near her property
The case now remains focused on evidence gathering, the second arrest, and the search for anyone who may have seen the suspicious vehicle or anything unusual around Haytor on Wednesday morning.
