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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Amy-Clare Martin

Tour of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon house aired on TV days before she was found dead

A video tour of Ann Widdecombe’s remote Devon home aired on television a week before she was found murdered inside her home.

The former Conservative prisons minister and Reform party spokeswoman is understood to have first invited cameras into her bungalow in Haytor, Dartmoor, back in 2022.

However the episode of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House was re-broadcast on Quest at 6pm on Thursday 2 July, according to listings.

In the show, Ms Widdecombe gives host Angus Ashworth a guided tour of the home, which she purchased for an estimated £600,000 in 2008, including her library and some of her antiques.

Ann Widdecombe was a high profile figure in British politics, appearing on Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother (PA Archive)
Ann Widdecombe was a high profile figure in British politics, appearing on Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother (PA Archive)

The bungalow - which she named ‘Widdecombe’s Rest’ - sits at a quiet crossroads at the top of the idyllic village, which boasts views for miles across to the Teign estuary.

Surrounded by well-kept lawns, the home has an outdoor swimming pool complete with slide at the back of the house, with she reportedly built with money earned her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing with Anton du Beke in 2010.

The firebrand politician was discovered dead inside the remote property a week after the episode was re-broadcast, having sustained serious injuries.

Counter Terrorism Policing announced they were leading the investigation into Ms Widdecombe’s murder in Monday after “new information and evidence has come to light”.

Detectives said they had re-arrested a 28-year-old suspect on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

He was first arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, Yorkshire, over the weekend.

He is suspected of driving over 300 miles armed with a wooden pole the day before, according to reports. CCTV footage seen by The Telegraph appears to show the man leaving the address at around 7am on Wednesday.

Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor, said: “Building on the progress made by our colleagues in Devon and Cornwall Police, we now have new information and evidence that means Counter Terrorism Policing is now leading the investigation.

“We are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to establish the motivation for this attack.

“Our priority is progressing this investigation quickly, with all the capabilities we have available to us. If anyone has any information, please share it with the police.

“We would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of the investigation.”

Police are investigating the attack at Ann Widdecombe’s house in Haytor (Getty)
Police are investigating the attack at Ann Widdecombe’s house in Haytor (Getty)

Devon and Cornwall Police had previously claimed there was “nothing to suggest” that Ms Widdecombe’s murder was terrorism-related or politically motivated.

Assistant chief constable, Matt Longman, said on Sunday the force is not looking for any other suspects.

The suspect was arrested shortly after 9pm on Saturday on suspicion of Ms Widdecombe’s murder. Police believe she was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.

This story is being updated.

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