Alex Driscoll

Police believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked in her Haytor home roughly 24 hours before she was found dead with serious injuries, prompting a murder investigation led by Devon and Cornwall Police. A previously arrested suspect has been released, and officers are conducting extensive forensic and house‑to‑house inquiries while maintaining road closures and a significant presence in the area. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and to submit any relevant information, while local residents express shock over the incident in an area generally regarded as safe.

Police say a 26-year-old man initially arrested after Ann Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home has been released and is no longer under investigation. Devon and Cornwall Police continue a fast-moving murder inquiry, maintaining a cordon, conducting forensic work and appealing for information while requesting the public avoid speculation. Widdecombe’s family is receiving support and a public portal has been set up for submitting evidence.