Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of former Member of Parliament and MEP Ann Widdecombe. Officers discovered the 78-year-old politician with serious injuries and a significant head wound at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday morning.
An ambulance crew initially called police to the residence at 11:40 a.m. Widdecombe's death was first announced by her agent, with no initial indication of unnatural causes. However, police confirmed later that day that a murder inquiry had been initiated.
A manhunt is currently underway for a "white male" whom police believe is responsible for Widdecombe's death. The former Conservative prisons minister, who later became a politician with the Reform UK party, was found covered in blood from a head wound.
Widdecombe's management team, Cloud9 Management, issued a statement expressing devastation over the news and supporting the police investigation. They reiterated the family's request for privacy during this difficult time and urged anyone with relevant information to contact the police.
Devon and Cornwall Police were scheduled to hold a press conference at 4:30 p.m. on Friday to provide further updates on the investigation.