Ann Widdecombe Murder Investigation: Suspect Released, Manhunt Continues in Devon

Timeline of a murder investigation that keeps shifting

Ann Widdecombe, the 78-year-old former Conservative Party minister who became Reform UK's immigration and justice spokeswoman, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40 BST on Thursday, July 9, according to the BBC. Devon and Cornwall Police now believe she was attacked nearly 24 hours earlier, around 12:30 BST on Wednesday, July 8.

Police findings align with reporting from Breitbart and the BBC showing Widdecombe went silent mid-morning that Wednesday. She had appeared on TalkTV at 08:05 BST to discuss Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. A Channel 5 researcher preparing her for an afternoon appearance on the Matt Allwright show received her last message at 12:19, then got no response to a follow-up at 12:48 asking her to join a Zoom link. Channel 5's Dan Walker said in a statement that Widdecombe never showed up for the segment and the show's team asked her agent to check on her, information that was passed to police.

Her death was first announced by her management agency around 06:30 BST on Friday, July 10, with no mention of foul play, according to the BBC. Hours later, at 15:44, Devon and Cornwall Police announced a murder investigation, saying they had no information indicating the killing was politically motivated and had ruled out terrorism. At 17:45 that same day, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced a 26-year-old white British man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

By Saturday morning, that arrest had unraveled. Police said shortly before 07:00 BST that the man had been released and was "no longer part of the investigation," according to both the BBC and the AP. No charges were filed against him. Longman said the priority "remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined," and detectives are continuing what he called "numerous enquiries" that are "moving at a significant pace."

Who police are still looking for

Devon and Cornwall Police say they are searching for a suspect believed to be a white male, according to the BBC, but have not released a fuller description. On Saturday evening, the force said it had decided against releasing further details, including any CCTV footage or suspect description, for now. Longman said doing so prematurely "could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities."

Residents of Haytor Vale, a village of fewer than 200 people where neighbors are used to leaving doors unlocked, are being asked to trust that police are protecting the investigation rather than withholding information the public needs to stay safe. One neighbor told the BBC the situation is "horrific" and "unbelievable," and villagers in nearby Ilsington, where Widdecombe was a regular at the local shop, described being left "worried" by the ongoing uncertainty. Without a public description of the suspect, that unease isn't going away on its own, and police have offered no timeline for when more details might be released.

Breitbart, citing The Sun, reported that the alleged killer is believed to have been caught on security cameras at Widdecombe's home, and that the property was not gated, had her name posted at the driveway, and its location was searchable online. Police have not confirmed or denied that detail themselves.

Reaction and tributes

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage laid flowers near Widdecombe's home on Saturday, calling her "a remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech," and said the party was "doing everything we can to support the police." Widdecombe's longtime driver, Peter Horrall, also visited the site, telling the BBC she was "a great lady, very kind," and that he liked her because "if you asked her a question, you'd get an answer, no mucking about."

The Buckfast Abbey monastic community, where Widdecombe was a regular worshipper, said she would be "missed and fondly remembered." Neighbors Alison and Simon Gilbert described her as "a really nice woman" who "didn't deserve to die like that."

What's still unknown

Police have not disclosed a motive, have not said whether Widdecombe knew her attacker, and have not released a weapon description beyond injuries reported as consistent with a severe assault. No suspect is currently in custody. Devon and Cornwall Police say the investigation remains active and are appealing to anyone with information, "however insignificant it may seem," to come forward.