Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe, who was found with serious injuries at her home on Dartmoor in Devon.

Emergency services attended an address in Haytor Vale at 11:40AM on Thursday after the ambulance service discovered the 78-year-old's body, per BBC News.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team are leading a murder investigation and are searching for a white male in connection with her death.

Widdecombe's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Roads surrounding the property have been closed while forensic examinations continue, with officers also carrying out house-to-house inquiries and reviewing surveillance footage, doorbell, and dashcam footage.

Police appeal for information

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. 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.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation.”

Rosson added: “We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”

Police said there will continue to be a significant presence in the area while the investigation progresses, adding that residents with concerns can speak directly to officers at the scene.

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative MP and Reform UK member Ann Widdecombe. Credit: Hugh Hastings / Getty

Tributes paid as investigation continues

Widdecombe appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday and had lived in Haytor Vale, a village within Dartmoor National Park. She served as a Conservative MP for Maidstone from 1987 until 2010, later representing Maidstone and the Weald. She joined the Brexit Party in 2019, served as a Member of the European Parliament for South West England between 2019 and 2020, and later became a member of Reform UK.

Her representatives at Cloud9 Management paid tribute following news of her death, describing her political career as being driven by “strong Christian values and commitment to public service.”

The statement said: “She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes.

“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities. As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show: ‘We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.”

After police confirmed they were treating the case as murder, the management company released a further statement, saying: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also urged the public not to speculate while detectives continue their investigation. She 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.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”

Featured image credit: Hugh Hastings / Getty

Two boys aged 14 and 15 have been arrested following a robbery that lead to the tragic death of an 82-year-old woman in the UK.

Joy Middleditch was found on the floor of her home on Saturday, March 25, following the robbery which left her breathing but in a critical condition, per Sky News.

The 82-year-old was taken to the James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk where she sadly passed away in the early hours on Monday, March 27.

Two teenage boys from the Lowestoft area in east Suffolk have been arrested following her death, and are being questioned by Martlesham Police.

As per a previous Sky report, Middleditch described her attackers to the police just hours before she passed away, stating that masked men barged into her home before knocking her to the floor and making off with her handbag.

"When we initially spoke to her at the scene, prior to her being taken off to hospital, it was reported that she heard a noise at the door," Sarsfield Donohue, Acting Superintendent (East Area) for Suffolk Police described.

He went on: "At some point during this incident a handbag has been stolen from the premises and then she was left at the premises until she was found by her family the following day."

The handbag was recovered "a short distance away" from Middleditch's home.

The officer described the attack as: "a really cowardly and callous attack on what was an elderly and vulnerable female in their own home."

Middleditch's family described her as: "A strong, determined character who loved life and her dog. She was a loving person who was sadly taken from us too soon.

"We as a family would like to thank the police and the community for all their help and support."

As per the Independent, a police spokesperson said: "A 15-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, both from the Lowestoft area, were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

"A Home Office post-mortem examination was carried out on Monday 27 March. The cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending further investigation."

Police have urged anybody with information about the attack to come forward by "using the online portal or by calling 101 quoting the reference 37/17537/23."

As per BBC News, a floral tribute has been established outside the home where the attack took place as residents share their shock and grief about the crime.

At the All Saints and St Margaret's Church near the home, prayers were said and candles were lit for the 82-year-old woman.

The cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Our thoughts are with Middleditch's loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: PA Images / Alamy

New footage has emerged showing the moment UK police tasered and arrested a sword-wielding man.

On Tuesday (April 30), the London Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers had arrested a 36-year-old man accused of killing a 14-year-old boy during a vehicle and sword attack.

In a statement, police stated that the incident took place in Hainault, east London.

"We were called shortly before 07:00 BST to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in the Thurlow Gardens area. There were reports people have been stabbed.

"At this time we understand the suspect went on to attack other members of the public and two police officers."

Per BBC News, a representative from the London Ambulance Service confirmed that five people were treated for injuries in hospital - including two police officers and the 14-year-old boy who tragically lost his life.

Now, footage has emerged showing the moment officers confronted the suspect, and tasered him to the ground. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

Warning: The footage below contains scenes some readers will find distressing.

The footage was captured on a doorbell camera and shows the moment police were able to successfully taser the suspect before surrounding him after he fell to the ground.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell confirmed that officers tasered the suspect 22 minutes after the first call was made to police.

Police say the incident is not believed to be a targeted or terror-related attack. Additionally, it is not believed the suspect was known to police prior to the incident.

The suspect is currently being treated in hospital and police have been unable to speak with him.

A statement from Buckingham Palace has revealed that King Charles III has said his "thoughts and prayers" are with those affected by the attack, and The Palace has confirmed that the King wishes "to be kept fully informed as details of the incident become clearer".

Additionally, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has praised the "extraordinary bravery shown by police on the scene".

Authorities say they are still looking to speak to anyone who may be able to provide any information about the attack.

Our thoughts are with everybody impacted by this tragedy.

Featured image credit: Carl Court / Getty

Cameras captured the moment a man suspected of killing three family members of BBC racing commentator John Hunt was finally caught by police.

Throughout the majority of Wednesday (July 10), Hertfordshire police had been hunting for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford following the tragic killings of Hunt's wife and two of his daughters.

Carol Hunt, 61, and her daughters Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were found seriously injured by officials following distressing reports just before 7:00PM on Tuesday evening (July 9).

The three women had been attacked in their home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, with police believing that a crossbow was used by the suspect, per BBC News.

At a press conference yesterday, police urged Clifford to come forward and warned the public not to approach the 26-year-old if they encountered him.

Then, just before 6:30PM, authorities confirmed that they found Clifford following a major operation that involved specialist search teams and armed officers. Footage of the moment can be seen in the report below"

Clifford was found near Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield. He is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries that officers say he had sustained prior to his capture.

No shots were fired by officers during the capture.

Ever since the heartbreaking news emerged, tributes have poured in for the Hunt family.

BBC News reports that Hannah Hunts employers at The Anti-Ageing Clinic in Radlett, Hertfordshire, have hailed her as "a fantastic therapist" who their clients "loved".

They added: "We send our condolences and prayers to her Dad, sister and family. She was very much a part of our team. Please bear with us at this terrible time."

A friend of Louise Hunt also told the BBC that he was "in denial" about her death, saying: "I'd heard the news from my sister early in the morning before I'd figured out who the victims were and, once I found out, it's been a massive shock. [I've] been in denial.

"I can't even begin to imagine what the father's going through."

Additionally, jockeys at today's races at Kempton Park Racecourse have been seen wearing black armbands in support for John Hunt:

Julie Harrington, the chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), has added in a statement: "I am sure that, in this time of unimaginable grief for him, the racing family will rally around as we have seen many times before when one of our number is faced with great trauma."

During last night's Euros 2024 game between England and Spain, the ITV broadcast also took a moment to send condolences to John Hunt. Former England star Michael Owen also posted on social media following the nation's victory, writing: "And while the country celebrate, spare a thought for John Hunt.

"I can't remember feeling so utterly horrified in years."

Our thoughts continue to go out to the Hunt family and their loved ones, as well as the people of Bushey.

Featured image credit: Leon Neal / Getty

UPDATE: Just before 18:30PM, police confirmed that they have captured 26-year-old Kyle Clifford following a manhunt.

Clifford was wanted in connection to the killings of three women on the evening of Tuesday, July 9. Clifford was traced by armed officers in Enfield, north London.

He was reportedly found with injuries, and is receiving medical treatment, per BBC News.

Police they believe Clifford was known to the victims, and that no other persons at this time are believed to be involved in the killings.

ORIGINAL:

New footage has surfaced showing triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford walking away from a house where the bodies of his ex-girlfriend and her family were found.

As previously reported, UK police are actively searching for 26-year-old Kyle Clifford in connection with the killings of three women in Bushey, near Watford.

Earlier today, it was reported that emergency services responded to a residence on Ashlyn Close around 7:00PM on Tuesday evening (July 9) after receiving distressing reports.

According to BBC News, the victims tragically succumbed to their injuries despite the efforts of police and ambulance crews.

It has now been confirmed by the BBC that the victims are the wife and two daughters of BBC Racing radio commentator John Hunt.

The victims were 61-year-old Carol Hunt, and her daughters, 25-year-old Louise, and 28-year-old Hannah.

John Hunt, a 58-year-old former police officer, has worked for BBC Radio Five Live for the last 20 years, as reported by The Telegraph.

The three women were reportedly tied up and killed with a crossbow in what police describe as a "targeted attack" that may have involved "other weapons."

This afternoon, doorbell footage emerged showing Clifford, the ex-boyfriend of Louise, walking away from the family home carrying a large object under a white sheet shortly before 7:00PM yesterday, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The footage came as armed police raided a home in Enfield, where Clifford is known to live.

Dramatic video from the scene shows officers storming the property in their search for the former soldier and security guard.

Police have located Clifford's car and are now searching a nearby park.

Authorities have warned the public to call 999 immediately if they see Clifford but not to approach him, describing him as dangerous and potentially still armed.

Nearby schools have implemented precautionary lockdowns, with one primary school advising parents to collect their children at the end of the day and take them directly home.

The BBC called the murders "utterly devastating," adding in a note to staff: "Our thoughts are with John and his family at this incredibly difficult time, and we will provide him with all the support we can."

Neighbors described how police locked down the road as a house was searched by armed officers. Two police helicopters hovered above the neighborhood, and uniformed officers stood guard at the door of the terraced home.

A local mother told MailOnline: "They had cordoned off the road and were ushering people away from the house they were going into. They had the full protective gear on, guns, shields, and helmets - the kind you'd expect to see in riots."

Another resident described hearing a commotion while working from home: "I was upstairs when I heard cars honking and then looked out the window and realized that there were police there.

"I came down and looked across. And they were saying 'armed police' and then they went right in. There were dogs barking and everyone realized there was something big going on."

Local councilor Laurence Brass told the BBC: "This is not something that happens in Bushey. We can't remember a murder in our rather quiet neck of the woods, so it's a terrible shock, and our sympathies and prayers are with the families of the three women."

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police by visiting herts.police.uk/report, speaking to an operator at herts.police.uk/contact, or calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured image credit: Hertfordshire Police/Facebook