Residents shocked by killing in normally quiet village
Neighbours of Ann Widdecombe, the former Conservative MP and prisons minister, have expressed shock after her death, describing the Dartmoor area as normally so safe that residents often leave their front doors unlocked. Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday, July 9, after sustaining serious injuries. Devon and Cornwall Police have launched a murder investigation.
Arrest made and suspect released
A 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday, July 10, in connection with the death, but was released on Saturday, July 11, and is no longer a suspect, police confirmed. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated the case is not being treated as terrorism and there is no information to suggest a politically-motivated crime.
Locals speak out about safety
Christine Maloney, who lives near Widdecombe's home, described the area as 'very safe'. She said it is not unusual for locals to leave their cars and front doors unlocked. "My husband saw her a week ago, driving around. I’m very shocked at [her death], it shouldn’t have happened, it’s horrific," Maloney said. "Everyone knows that’s her house, perhaps that’s the problem? It’s very, very safe around here. I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now. It’s got to be someone that’s local or knows her."
Long-term resident recalls rare crime
Another woman living in Haytor Vale, who did not wish to be named, said she had lived there all her life but never met Widdecombe. "It’s tragic, someone gives all their life to public service and then they end like that. [Haytor] is a safe area. Every couple of years or so, somebody goes around the garden sheds and nicks all the expensive gardening equipment. That’s as far as it goes really. We’ve never had anything close [to this] in all my years."
Couple remember Widdecombe as 'nice woman'
Alison and Simon Gilbert, who have lived in Haytor Vale for more than a decade, said Widdecombe was a well-known figure locally. Mrs Gilbert said: "She was a nice woman, really nice woman, and she had a great sense of humour. It’s a lovely area – you talk to strangers. Everyone saw her as quite an opinionated politician, but to us she was just a person in the community. First of all, we got back and saw police and thought maybe it was a burglary, a lot of us suspected she had a heart attack or something." Mr Gilbert added: "She didn’t deserve to die like that."
Police investigation details
Police were called to Widdecombe's home at about 11:40 am on Thursday by the ambulance service. The investigation continues as residents grapple with the violent death of a prominent figure in their quiet community.
