Ann Widdecombe murder: Detectives believe attack took place on Wednesday
A search for a white male suspect is taking place, after a 26-year-old man who was arrested was released without further action
Devon and Cornwall Police have revealed they believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked in her home nearly 24 hours before she was found dead.
Detectives are searching for a white male suspect, after a 26-year-old man who was arrested in Newton Abbot yesterday afternoon (Friday 10th July 2026) was released and is facing no further action.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said Miss Widdecombe’s death is being treated as suspicious but “we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public”.
In an updated statement he said:
“We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm.
“Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect is believed to be a white male.
“The public will continue to see a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.
“A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene.
“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 still its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.
“While we work closely with our partners and have consulted Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) as part of our initial enquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism. While investigators are keeping an open mind as to any potential motive, CTP is not supporting the investigation.
The death is being treated as suspicious but we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”