Police hunt for man suspected of murdering Ann Widdecombe at Devon home

Police have launched a manhunt for a "white male" suspected of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe at her Devon home.

Devon and Cornwall Police announced this afternoon that the force was investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the 78-year-old.

A statement from the force reads: "We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible who we believe to be a white male."

A spokesman for the coroner’s office for the county of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay said: "Preliminary inquiries are ongoing."

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Road closures are in place surrounding the property while the investigation is underway.

The ex-MEP's death was confirmed early this morning by her representative.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has spoken to Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, the People's Channel can disclose.

GB News has approached Devon and Cornwall Police and the South Western Ambulance Service for comment.

The Home Secretary has urged people to avoid speculation to allow the police investigation to continue following talks with the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police.

Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the Home Office "stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation.

Ms Mahmood said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe. The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones.

"Ann's dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents."

LATEST TRIBUTES TO ANN WIDDECOMBE:

• Matt Vickers left 'hugely devastated' as he pays tribute to 'titan' Ann Widdecombe
• My friend Ann Widdecombe: Fearless, fizzing with ideas and a trooper to the very end - Andrew Pierce
• Richard Tice pays emotional tribute to 'true legend' Ann Widdecombe after her death at 78

Throughout her career, she was an outspoken backer of leaving the EU, and served as a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party.

She also served as a Tory MP for over two decades before leaving the Commons in 2010.

Nearly a decade later, Ms Widdecombe returned to elected politics, leaving her mark on the EU for Nigel Farage's Reform UK precursor - and later would represent Reform as its immigration and justice spokeswoman.

Since Ms Widdecombe's death was confirmed this morning, tributes have been pouring in for the high-flying political figure.

This afternoon, Downing Street said the Prime Minister was "saddened" to hear of Ms Widdecombe's death.

A spokeswoman for Sir Keir Starmer said: "She was a distinctive figure in British politics for many years, and he pays tribute to the conviction and dedication with which she served her country."

Reform UK's deputy leader, Richard Tice, told GB News she was an "incredible orator" and "incredibly fearless", having known Ms Widdecombe since she was involved in the Brexit Party.

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