Ann Widdecombe murder investigation continues after suspect released without charge
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A man arrested in connection with the murder investigation into the death of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released without charge and is no longer being treated as a suspect.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Saturday morning that the 26-year-old, who had been arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday, has now been released from custody and is “no longer part of the investigation.”
Miss Widdecombe, 78, was discovered dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor after emergency services were called to the property at around 11.40am on Thursday, 9th July. Police said she had suffered serious injuries, prompting detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team to launch a murder inquiry.
Although the arrest initially marked a significant development in the investigation, officers have since ruled the man out of their enquiries as they continue efforts to identify those responsible.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the investigation remains active and is progressing rapidly.
ACC Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.
“Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday 9th July.
“Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries.
“Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation and are conducting extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding Miss Widdecombe’s death.
“A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene.
“The public will see a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
“This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. 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.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media.
“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.
“We have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. This can be found on our website.
“Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.”
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson added: “Information, images or footage can be submitted to us via our Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP]. You can also contact us via our website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen. Please follow the link to the public portal or scan the QR code.”
Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage that may assist the investigation to come forward.
( Photo: Dave Bennett / Getty Images 📸 )