Haunting footage of Ann Widdecombe in her home shown on TV days before her alleged murder
Ann Widdecombe’s home was featured on television in a repeat showing just days before she was found dead at her property in Haytor on Dartmoor.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the body of the former Conservative minister was discovered at about 11.40am on Thursday (9 July) after sustaining serious injuries.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire shortly after 9pm on Saturday with the support of Counter Terrorism Police.
The politician’s home was featured on a repeat showing of a 2022 episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House on Quest on 2 July, according to TV listings seen by The Sun.
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Widdecombe, 78, was seen giving host Angus Ashworth a guided tour of her £600,000 bungalow.
Watch below:
At the time, the former MP turned Reform UK spokesperson referred to herself as a ‘retired politician’ as the inside and outside of her home were shown.
It comes after Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, told reporters that 'at this point, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder'.
“At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated,” he said.
Longman said detectives ‘remain open-minded about the potential motive' and stressed it is not believed there is any threat to the wider public, adding: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive.
“Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it’s unhelpful, it doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.”
Neighbours on the street said police arrived shortly before the England versus Norway match on Saturday evening.
One neighbour said: “It all happened just before the match.
“When we came home from watching it there were just two plain police cars there but everyone says there were loads more here before that.”
A woman said: “Nothing happens on this street. We’ve been here 12 years and nothing has ever happened.”
Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the force has ‘mounted an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure’.
“The operation has been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours,” he added.
“I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody and that will undergo some further work from us today.
“Well done to all – this is clearly British policing at its very best.”
Ann Widdecombe's alleged murder: a timeline of events
Wednesday 8 July
7am - Outside a property linked to the 28-year-old suspect arrested on suspicion of murdering Widdecombe in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, neighbours see a man putting ‘some kind of wooden stick’ into the passenger side of a red car, the Press Association reports.
8.05am - Ann Widdecombe appears in an interview for TalkTV about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
12.19pm - Widdecombe sends her final message to a Channel 5 researcher at this time as they discuss setting up a video interview.
12.30pm - Police believe Widdecombe was attacked around this time.
12.48pm - A message from the Channel 5 researcher asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link goes unanswered.
Thursday 9 July
11.40am - Police are called to Widdecombe’s home in Hayton, Devon by ambulance services to find she had died after suffering serious injuries.
Friday 10 July
6.30am - Widdecombe’s management team releases a statement announcing her death - there is no reference to suspicious circumstances.
3.45pm - Devon and Cornwall Police announce they have launched a murder investigation.
5.45pm - Police announce they have arrested a 26-year-old white man as part of their investigation.
Saturday 11 July
6.30am - The 26-year-old is released from custody without being charged and police say he is no longer part of their investigation.
9pm - A white 28-year-old British man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, is arrested on suspicion of murder.
Sunday 12 July
Police say there is nothing to suggest Widdecombe’s alleged murder was politically motivated or an act of terrorism and say they are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation.
Topics: UK News
Anish Vij