Ann Widdecombe attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police believe

Image source, BBC News By Zahra Fatima Published 11 July 2026, 14:17 BST Updated 18 minutes ago Ann Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police believe. The 78-year-old former Conservative minister was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon at 11:40 BST on Thursday. Devon and Cornwall Police said they believe the attack took place on Wednesday at around 12:30 BST, and added that enquiries were "moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male". On Saturday morning, the force announced a 26-year-old white British man, who had been arrested a day earlier on suspicion of murdering the former MP, had been released from custody and was "no longer part of the investigation". Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the priority "remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined". Detectives were continuing to carry out "numerous enquiries" and the investigation was "moving at a significant pace", he added. "We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened. I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us." Later on Saturday, Longman said the force had decided not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or CCTV footage, for the time being. "Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities," he said. Village in shock as 'horrific' murder case unfolds A significant police presence remained in the area on Saturday, with forensic officers seen arriving at the property. People, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, were also seen laying memorial flowers near Widdecombe's home. During a police press conference on Friday, Longman said the force had ruled out terrorism and had no information to believe Widdecombe's death was a "politically motivated crime". He added that it was too early to comment on whether or not the suspect was known to her. Image source, Reuters Image caption, Forensic teams arrive on scene Widdecombe's death was announced by her management agency early on Friday morning without mention of any suspicious circumstances. By afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police had issued a statement, revealing that a murder investigation had been launched and they were looking for a suspect believed to be a white British man. Laying a wreath at Dartmoor National Park, close to Widdecombe's home, Farage told reporters that she was a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest defender of free speech". He added that Reform was "doing everything we can to support the police in every way". Widdecombe's long-time driver, Peter Horrall, also laid flowers near the scene on Saturday, telling the BBC that he "just couldn't believe" what had happened. "She was a great lady, very kind," he said, adding that "i