A 26-year-old man has been arrested after police launched an investigation into the murder of Ann Widdecombe.published 20:40 BST 10 July
Rachel Flynn
Live reporter
Image Source, ReutersImage caption,
Widdecombe speaking at a Brexit Party election event in London in 2019.
Police announced this afternoon that they had opened an investigation into the murder of Anne Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative minister turned UK reform spokeswoman.
Here’s how the news developed:
Friday morning: Widdecombe’s agent announced her death “with great shock and sadness” but did not say when, how or where she died.
Friday noon: Devon and Cornwall Police said Widdecombe was found dead at her home on Thursday morning with serious injuries and they had launched an investigation into her death.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the media the investigation was “shocking news”, adding Widdecombe’s death was a “significant loss”.
Later in the afternoon: Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced that a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday afternoon on suspicion of murdering Widdecombe at an address in Newton Abbot – close to Widdecombe’s home in the Heytor area of Dartmoor.
What else do we know?
Police say the investigation into the killing is in the early stages but do not consider it a terrorist incident and say there is no information at this time to suggest it is politically motivated. They are appealing to the public for any relevant information.
Tributes poured in, with UK reform leader Nigel Farage calling her “extraordinary” and a “wonderful and principled woman”, while her 2010 Strictly Come Dancing partner Anton Du Beke said he was “devastated”.
This concludes our live broadcast. You can read more details about the investigation in our news and so all we know for now.