Tragedy has struck the quiet Devon town of Haytor, where former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her home. The shocking discovery was made at 11:40 BST on Thursday, 10 July 2026, but police now believe that the attack may have occurred nearly a day earlier – approximately 12:30 BST on Wednesday, 9 July 2026.
A crucial development in the investigation came with the release of the initial suspect, a 26-year-old white British man who had been arrested. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that this individual is no longer considered a suspect, as the focus shifts towards identifying those responsible for Widdecombe's death.
The police inquiry continues to gather momentum, with forensic officers working tirelessly at the scene and a significant presence maintained in the area. Public figures such as Nigel Farage have paid their respects, describing Widdecombe as 'remarkable individual' who championed free speech. The Reform UK leader was seen laying flowers near her home and described her as 'a fierce defender of free expression.'
At a press conference held on Friday, 10 July 2026, Assistant Chief Constable Longman ruled out terrorism as a motive, stating there was no indication that the death was politically motivated at this stage. He also noted that it was too early to comment on whether the initial suspect had any prior connection with Widdecombe.
Locals in Haytor are struggling to come to terms with the tragedy, describing their community as 'very safe' and a place where people often left their doors unlocked. Neighbour Christine Maloney reflected that while Widdecombe was known for her strong opinions, to them she was just 'a person.' The late politician's career spanned many years, including stints as Tory MP for Maidstone from 1987 to 2010 and appearances on TV programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. In 2019, Widdecombe joined the Brexit Party.
As investigators continue their work, residents can be seen paying their respects near Widdecombe's home in Haytor National Park. The investigation remains ongoing, with all available resources deployed to uncover those responsible for this tragic event.