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Footage of the interior of Ann Widdecombe’s Devon home was broadcast on television just days before she was reportedly found dead there. The episode showed extensive views of the property and has become part of the police inquiry into her death.
TV programme showed rooms and grounds
The episode, of Celebrity Yorkshire Auction House, was shown on Quest on July 2 and featured a guided tour of Widdecombe’s bungalow by host Angus Ashworth. Cameras filmed the front door, garden, conservatory, gym, library, kitchen and dining area.
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Producers noted the hour-long episode originally aired in 2022. It was re-broadcast in a 6pm slot six days before the former Conservative MP’s death.
Widdecombe on choosing a remote home
On camera, Widdecombe described her reasons for moving to the coast. She said: ‘I came down here quite deliberately to be as remote as I could, as was sensible.
She added: ‘I’ve got what I want, which is peace, quiet, solitude. Of course, I’m friendly with some of the neighbours. I’m not a recluse.’
Arrests and the shifting police inquiry
Police have said there is no suggestion that the televised footage inspired or led to her killing. Investigators initially arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the death, but he was later released; police described him as ‘no longer part of the investigation’.
Subsequently, a 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder. In a further development, national counter-terrorism units are now heading the probe.
Counter-terrorism police take the lead
Devon and Cornwall Police previously said counter-terror teams had reviewed the case and ruled out a terrorist motive. That position changed after what authorities described as new material coming to light.
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of the “commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism”.
Laurence Taylor, head of UK national counter-terrorism policing, 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.’
