Police have defended their decision not to release CCTV footage or descriptions of possible suspects as detectives continue investigating the death of former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Senior officers say the decision has been made to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure that nothing interferes with their ongoing work.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators are making steady progress and are actively following several important lines of inquiry. However, he explained that officers have deliberately chosen not to reveal certain evidence to the public at this stage because doing so too early could damage the investigation or reduce the chances of identifying those responsible.
Mr Longman said police have been working around the clock since the incident was reported and that detectives are carefully examining all available evidence. He thanked members of the public who have already contacted police with information and encouraged anyone else who may know something, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward.
He explained that releasing CCTV footage, witness descriptions or other investigative material before the right time could compromise the inquiry and potentially affect future opportunities to gather evidence. He stressed that officers would only release additional information if they believed it would genuinely help move the investigation forward.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, a former Conservative minister who later became a prominent campaigner for Reform UK, was found dead at her home in Haytor Vale on the edge of Dartmoor on Thursday morning. Detectives believe she was attacked at around 12.30pm the previous day after completing a morning media appearance. She had reportedly been expected to take part in another broadcast later that day but never appeared.
Police say she suffered serious injuries, prompting the launch of a major murder investigation involving specialist detectives and forensic teams. Since then, officers have been carrying out extensive enquiries in the surrounding area while examining evidence collected from the scene.
Mr Longman urged the public not to spread rumours or speculation online, warning that misinformation could complicate the investigation and cause further distress to the family. Instead, he encouraged anyone with relevant information who has not yet spoken to police to submit details through the force’s Major Incident Public Portal or contact investigators directly.
He also expressed his condolences to Ms Widdecombe’s family and friends, saying they continue to receive support from specially trained family liaison officers during what is an extremely difficult time. He added that police will continue providing updates whenever it is appropriate to do so.
Earlier in the investigation, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after detectives upgraded the case. However, following further enquiries, he was released without charge and is no longer considered part of the investigation.
Police have also confirmed there is currently no evidence suggesting the incident was linked to terrorism or motivated by politics, although detectives say they remain open-minded and are considering every possible line of enquiry until all the facts have been established.
The case has attracted significant national attention because of Ms Widdecombe’s high-profile political career. Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage among those expressing his sadness and highlighting the risks that public figures can sometimes face.
Detectives say the investigation remains one of their highest priorities, with substantial police resources dedicated to finding those responsible. They continue to appeal for witnesses and believe that even the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping solve the case.
