Summary

  • Ann Widdecombe died in a "brutal" and "targeted attack", the counter terror police chief says

  • Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor says the killing has not "been declared a terrorist incident" at this time and officers have been given more time to question their suspect - recap of the update

  • Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon on Thursday

  • Footage shows an interview the 78-year-old gave less than half an hour before police believe she was attacked - watch it here

  • A 28-year-old white British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday, before being re-arrested on Monday on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism

  • Earlier, Devon and Cornwall Police Commissioner Alison Hernandez defended the force over criticism of its initial handling of Widdecombe's murder investigation

Live Reporting

Edited by Tinshui Yeung, Imogen James and Matt Spivey

  1. Ann Widdecombe: A long-serving politician with a showbusiness career

    Ann Widdecombe, an older white lady with white hair, in a purple suit.Getty Images

    Ann Widdecombe was born in Bath, Somerset, in 1947.

    She went on to study Latin at Birmingham University, then philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University.

    Her political career spanned several decades, having served as a Tory MP for Maidstone in Kent from 1987 to 2010.

    She worked as a Home Office and employment minister in John Major's government between 1994 and 1997.

    After Parliament, an unlikely showbusiness career awaited the former minister. She appeared on various prime-time television shows, including Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

    A staunch supporter of the UK's departure from the EU, she became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.

    In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage's Reform UK, after the party changed its name from the Brexit Party, where she served as immigration and justice spokesperson.

    Anton Du Beke holds Ann Widdecombe's had and leg and spins her around on the dancefloor. Widdecombe is almost completely horizontal

    Ann Widdecombe appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010

  2. Timeline of the Ann Widdecombe suspected murder case

    Wednesday 8 July

    08:05 - Ann Widdecombe appears on TalkTV to speak about her party's leader, Nigel Farage.

    12:19 - A researcher from Channel 5 reportedly speaks to Widdecombe to set up a video interview from her home - her last message was received at 12:19.

    12:30 - This is when police say they believe the attack took place.

    12:48 - The researcher messages again, according to ITV, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link before the interview, but she doesn't reply.

    Thursday 9 July

    11:40 - Devon and Cornwall Police officers are called by the ambulance service and find Widdecombe dead in the property.

    Friday 10 July

    About 06:30 - Media outlets report Widdecombe's death. A statement from her managing team gives no detail to suggest her death was suspicious.

    15:44 - Police issue a statement saying they have launched a murder investigation.

    17:45 - Devon and Cornwall Police says a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

    Saturday 11 July

    Shortly before 07:00 - Devon and Cornwall Police says the suspect has been released from custody and is no longer part of its investigation. Police remain at the scene and a manhunt is under way.

    Shortly after 21:00 - A 28-year-old white British man is arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of Widdecombe's murder.

    Sunday 12 July

    About 12:00 - Devon and Cornwall Police says there is "nothing to suggest" the murder of Widdecombe was politically motivated.

    Monday 13 July

    Shortly before 13:00 - Counter Terrorism Police takes over leading the investigation following "new information". The force says the 28-year-old suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

    16:30 - Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announces the 28-year-old suspect was not known to Prevent - the government's anti-extremism scheme.

    A satellite image of the Haytor area on Dartmoor in Devon. A marker highlights the location of Ann Widdecombe’s house on a road south of Haytor village. An inset aerial photograph shows the property in detail, including a detached house, garden and outdoor swimming pool

  3. Police initially said 'nothing to suggest' attack was politically motivated

    Headshot of Longman who speaks into microphones propped up on a stand

    Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the force ruled out terrorism on Friday

    As mentioned, Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has defended the force, as "there's been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case".

    It follows comments from Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, who told a news conference on Friday the force had ruled out terrorism and had no information to suggest Widdecombe's death was a "politically motivated crime".

    But on Monday it was announced counter-terrorism police would take over the investigation. A 28-year-old suspect - who was originally arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday - was re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

    Hernandez says "it is not unusual" in a fast-paced investigation for the nature of the inquiry to change as more information comes to light.

  4. Police commissioner statement in full

    Alison Hernandez has light brown hair in a bun and wears a black waterproof coatDevon & Cornwall OPCC

    Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez, pictured in November 2025

    We can now bring you the full statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez:

    “As Police and Crime Commissioner, I have personally spoken to the Head of Counter Terrorism, Laurence Taylor, to thank him for the resources he offered early on, and to seek the reassurance that there has been a smooth handover of the investigation.

    "There’s been some commentary about the way Devon and Cornwall police have communicated during the early stages of this case but, as the Home Secretary said yesterday, it is not unusual that in a fast-paced investigation, more information comes to light that changes the nature or the character of what the police are dealing with.

    "Since the beginning of this investigation, I have been briefed by the Chief Constable regularly, and I am confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death.

    "I am particularly grateful to members of the public, who have provided information and assisted officers in progressing the investigation.

    "My thoughts remain with Ann’s family and friends. I have been touched by the stories I have heard from those who lived closed to her on Dartmoor. Whatever you thought of her politics, Ann was an exceptionally likeable character.

    "When I visited the scene on Sunday, I was impressed by the efforts being made by the police to speak to residents and address their very understandable concerns.

    "I am sure the impact of this major operation has meant that some people have had to wait longer than they would expect for routine services, or have not yet had their issues resolved.

    "I have been assured officers and staff will be returning to business as usual over the coming days, which are also expected to be particularly busy with two final legs of the World Cup and the start of school holidays.”

  5. Police commissioner defends Devon and Cornwall Police over Widdecombe investigation

    Ann WiddecombeGetty Images

    Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has defended the force over its handling of the investigation into the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.

    In a statement, Hernandez says there has been "commentary" over the force's communication.

    She says she is "confident that Devon and Cornwall Police has provided a substantial and professional response to Ann Widdecombe’s death".

    The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday. She had sustained serious injuries.

    Police are continuing to question a 28-year-old white British man who was arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

    We will bring you updates on the case on this page. Stay with us.