A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78, after her body was found with serious injuries at her Dartmoor home. Devon and Cornwall police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
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Key facts
- Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon.
- The ambulance service found her body at 11.40am on Thursday, according to Devon and Cornwall police.
- A murder investigation was launched, with police initially searching for a white male.
- A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.
- Police say the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Devon and Cornwall police have launched a murder investigation following the suspicious death of the former MP and TV personality Ann Widdecombe, 78, at her home on Dartmoor, according to the Guardian.
Officers were called to an address at Haytor, in Devon, by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday. Widdecombe’s body was found with “serious injuries,” police said.
Her death was announced on Friday by her management. Police said they had opened a murder inquiry and, in the initial stages of the investigation, were searching for a white male in connection with her death.
Police described the inquiry as “moving at significant pace.” A short time later, officers confirmed that a 26-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in custody.
Police also said the incident is not being treated as terrorism. No further details about the circumstances of the death or the identity of the arrested man have been released.
Why it matters
Ann Widdecombe was a prominent figure in British public life, serving as an MP and later becoming a well-known television personality. The launch of a murder investigation into the death of such a high-profile figure has drawn significant national attention.
Frequently asked questions
How did Ann Widdecombe die?
Her body was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon, at 11.40am on Thursday, according to Devon and Cornwall police. A murder investigation has been launched, but police have not released details on the circumstances.
Has anyone been arrested?
Yes. Police said a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.
Is the death being treated as terrorism?
No. Police have said the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Timeline
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