Police are conducting fingertip searches near the home of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe as murder detectives continue to investigate her death. Officers were seen examining bushes and walls for clues as part of the ongoing hunt for the suspect. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the scene to lay flowers, describing Widdecombe, whom he called a friend, as a victim of a "premeditated" killing.
Farage stated that a car was observed arriving at Widdecombe's driveway approximately five minutes before the estimated time of her death. He expressed skepticism about theories suggesting a burglary gone wrong, noting that the car's presence on the driveway seemed unusual for a burglar. "From what I can see of it, from what I make out, this was premeditated murder," Farage told reporters.
Police believe the 78-year-old Widdecombe was killed around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, with her body discovered in her kitchen the following day. A 26-year-old British man arrested on Friday in connection with the death has since been released from custody and is no longer a suspect. Detectives have described the investigation as moving at a significant pace.
Widdecombe, who was a Brexit Party MEP and served as Reform UK's spokesperson for Immigration and Justice, was last seen in an interview on Talk TV around 8 a.m. on Wednesday. She was scheduled to appear on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show at 1 p.m. that day. A researcher for the show reported exchanging messages with Widdecombe, with her last message received at 12:19 p.m. Subsequent attempts to contact her for the interview, which was to be conducted remotely via Zoom, went unanswered, prompting concern from the production team. Her agent was contacted later that day, with follow-up inquiries made on Thursday.
Farage suggested that Widdecombe's murder might bear similarities to the unsolved case of BBC reporter Jill Dando. He urged that modern technology would assist in apprehending the killer. "I believe with modern technology they will," he said.
Farage indicated he had spoken with Keir Starmer and senior police officials about the incident and that Reform UK was reviewing emails for any threats made against Widdecombe or other party politicians. He recalled speaking with Widdecombe just last week about Reform UK matters and mentioned that he had visited her cottage, known as "Widdecombe's Rest," on multiple occasions. He also highlighted the increased dangers faced by individuals in public life, stating, "What it does say is that people now in public life, especially politics, the world is very much more dangerous than it's ever been."
Widdecombe, a former Tory minister and television personality, was known for her strong views and commitment to free speech. Farage remembered her love for her home in the Dartmoor National Park, her enjoyment of the natural surroundings, and her strong personality. He also noted her close relationship with the late Conservative MP Sir David Amess, who was murdered in 2021, stating that Widdecombe was the godmother to Amess's daughter. "His belief, and it is still my belief, that an MP should be able to walk through the town on a Saturday afternoon, talk to their constituents. I feel very strongly about that," Widdecombe had previously said, referencing Amess's murder.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the investigation is proceeding with urgency and that resources are being deployed to ascertain the full circumstances. He appealed to the public for any information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, and urged against speculation, particularly on social media, to avoid causing further distress to Widdecombe's family and friends, who have requested privacy.
Neighbors in the Dartmoor village of Haytor described Widdecombe as a well-known and pleasant figure in the community, expressing shock at the violent nature of her death in what they considered a safe area. Her driver of ten years, Peter Horrell, also expressed disbelief, stating that she had never mentioned any fear for her safety and had enjoyed living in the remote location.