Ann Widdecombe Death - Statement Matt Longman - suspicion of murder, suspect arrested

Statement Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, Devon and Cornwall Police, reads a statement regarding the death of politician Ann Widdecombe, saying, "We can confirm that a 26-year-old man was arrested at an address at Newton Abbott this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe - the suspect, who is a white, British national remains in police custody whilst enquiries continue - officers were called to Miss Widdecombe's home at Haytor by the ambulance service around 11:40am on Thursday 9th July - sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property - she had sustained serious injuries" - UK, Friday 10th July 2026 (BBC News 10pm Bulletin – 10/07/2026 – AEXZ288W) STORY: Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative minister, Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK spokesperson, died aged 78 after being found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon, on 9 July 2026. Police launched a murder investigation and have arrested a 28‑year‑old man in connection with her death. Investigators initially said there was no evidence the killing was politically motivated or terrorism-related, but on 13 July counter-terrorism police took over the inquiry after new information emerged, and the suspect was re-arrested on terrorism-related grounds. The motive remains unclear and the investigation is ongoing.