Police in the UK have launched an investigation into the death of former British MP, Ann Widdecombe.
This comes after the ambulance team found the former politician's body with "serious injuries" at around 11.40am yesterday morning, with police later stating that officers were searching for a "white male" in connection with her death, according to The Guardian.
Since then, an investigation has been launched by the Force Major Crime Investigation, with extensive enquiries being conducted into the circumstances surrounding Ann Widdecombe's death. The Force have said that a significant police presence could be seen in the area, including detectives and officers conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
In reports from The Guardian, DCI Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder inquiry 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, who we believe to be a white male.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us", the Inspector said. “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation".
She also added that the aim of extra police presence is to reassure local residents and anyone with concerns that they can approach officers.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe", she said.
Ann Widdecombe was a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald. In 2019, she became a member of the Brexit party, and served as an MEP, where she represented South West, England from 2019 to 2020. She was also a member of their successor, Reform UK.
Widdecombe had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, and lived in Haytor Vale, within Dartmoor National Park.
Paying tribute to Widdecombe following her death, the home secretary called the circumstances "extremely distressing", and called on the public to avoid any idle speculation over her death.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones.
Ann's dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.
I…
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) July 10, 2026
