Former Conservative MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe has been found dead at her home in Devon, and police have launched a murder inquiry and a manhunt for a suspect. The 78-year-old, who served as prisons minister, was discovered with serious injuries and a head wound, prompting Devon and Cornwall Police to treat her death as a homicide. The case has drawn national attention given her long public profile, including her later career as a Brexit Party MEP and her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

Officers were called to Widdecombe's house in Haytor, Dartmoor, at 11.40am by an ambulance crew and found her covered in blood from a head wound. Her death was initially announced by her agent as apparently from natural causes, but police later confirmed a murder probe and said they are hunting a "white male" they believe is responsible. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances as "extremely distressing", said she had spoken to the Chief Constable, and urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.