Police launch an investigation into Ann Widdecombe death

I didn’t agree at all with any of Ann Widdicome’s politics or opinions, but I respected her for resolutely standing up to what she believed was right. I can’t believe the vitriol that has been posted about her. I found it very odd that her death was reported as if it was from natural causes and was very shocked to hear she was murdered. If the police now have no one in custody I wonder how they can say it wasn’t terror related or politically motivated, how would they know what the motivation was?

It’s clear from the bbc footage that she had a Ring type doorbell with camera. Unless the door was unlocked, she would have had to open it to let him in. Could it be somebody that she knew, a tradesperson or similar, somebody with whom she had a dispute. It will either be a random, unlikely in such a remote area but not unheard of, or somebody that she has had previous dealings with.

I don’t think it could be some sort of fantasist, surely. Why would anybody think that. Still nothing would surprise me in this country these days.

I’m not entirely in tune with her political views but, come what may, she was a frail elderly lady who did not deserve to die in this way after years and years of public service.

I think that’s understandable, Henetha. I’d be keeping the doors closed. After this dreadful news, I jumped out of my skin in bed last night, at a sudden loud sound. It turned out to be a door banging in the breeze from an open window but it gave me a fright, even though I live 500 miles from Devon.

I think you are right Oreo. The patio doors, and all doors, are remaining locked for now at least.
I hope your hay fever subsides soon, it is a wretched nuisance isn't it.
Best wishes.

Primrose53

Plunger

Cumbrianmale56

I have never read so many hate filled posts than ones I saw about Ann Widdecombe on X and Digital Spy. Yes she didn't agree with gay marriage, she was deeply religious, she held views that seemed outdated, but so do millions of other people. There is no way a 78 year old woman deserved to die in this way.

Totally agree. The Socialist Worker also posted an aborant headline ( now removed ) and Peter Tatchell. I find that the far left are spiteful and full of hate for anyone who does not agree with their views. They start slinging insults instead of entering into an adult debate. You may not agree with Ann Widdecombe's views but show respect.

I saw that. Absolutely disgusting.

There was a truly disgusting and disgraceful post from a member of the Green Party. I have never read anything like it and the person involved should be jailed in my opinion. Remember Lucy Connolly was sent to prison for (I think) 2 years for her comments which she removed very shortly after posting. This Green Party woman is absolutely toxic.

I really can't stand the far left, they really are the most intolerant, nasty and bigoted people in politics. They always go on about diversity and inclusion, but want to shut down everyone that disagrees with them and love it when one of their opponents dies. How would they like it if someone celebrated the death of Jeremy Corbyn or Zack Polanski?

Whitewavemark2

MartavTaurus

Whitewavemark2

Haytor is relatively rural, but not unusually so. We lived down the road from Haytor and Widdecombe and our village was similar.

I see Ann Widecombe attended Buckfast.

I've live in Devon.
I think your confusing Ann Widdecombe
And the village of Widecombe in the Moor.

😄 yes I realised immediately I posted, but was too lazy to say so.

Haha, at least you’re honest 😄

that he was eliminated so quickly

Which is why the police are getting a hard time about the fast announcements they initially made.

henetha I have hayfever too so know what you mean.I would keep your doors locked and sit by your fan instead.Open windows only really let hot air into the house.
We all need to take precautions against anyone strolling into our houses in any cases, so stay safe.😃

I think she was a very genuine person, unusual in politics. She certainly did not deserve the awful comments made by some left wing commentators. My mothers used to say if you cannot be kind stay silent .

TerriBull

I posted this on one of the other threads regarding this awful murder, but worth repeating because an illustration of just how hateful this element of the trans lobby are. Over on MN a link to X, Heather Herbert transwoman crowing over AW's murder, "I hope it was painful" What a vile person, I hope they get a visit from the police, but I won't hold my breath

It is - vile and vindictive.

It's not impossible to be fiercely opposed to Ann Widdecombe's beliefs and still regret her death.

I did not like her, but I am genuinely sorry that her life ended in such a horrible way in her own home where she should have been safe.

MartavTaurus

Whitewavemark2

Haytor is relatively rural, but not unusually so. We lived down the road from Haytor and Widdecombe and our village was similar.

I see Ann Widecombe attended Buckfast.

I've live in Devon.
I think your confusing Ann Widdecombe
And the village of Widecombe in the Moor.

😄 yes I realised immediately I posted, but was too lazy to say so.

* you're

I'm confusing my grammar too.

* I live

Whitewavemark2

Haytor is relatively rural, but not unusually so. We lived down the road from Haytor and Widdecombe and our village was similar.

I see Ann Widecombe attended Buckfast.

I've live in Devon.
I think your confusing Ann Widdecombe
And the village of Widecombe in the Moor.

Thank you Oreo. You are always kind. My patio doors are problematical anyway. Opening them does bring in a nice breeze, but it makes my hay-fever worse. So it's 50/50.
But now, with possibly a killer around, - although he is probably miles away by now, - makes it even more difficult to decide.
Decisions decisions...

We must bear is mind that the police have repeated said that this is a fast-paced investigation. As such they need to quickly interview and eliminate possibly suspects.

If you read this from Liberty, it clear sets out the six circumstances under PACE in which an arrest would be regarded as necessary:

www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/advice_information/police-powers-of-arrest-2/#necessary

It would be speculation to say which of these applied to the man arrested and why but that he was eliminated so quickly allows the investigation now to focus on finding whoever was responsible.

Anyway am off. Have far better things to do with my time right now than justify myself to someone so hostile.

Fallingstar

I didn’t invent a scenario butterandjam I stated that I ‘imagined’, I never stated that this was the case. People can imagine what the case might be and be way off beam but that doesn’t mean they are fantasists. Not does it mean a rude reply is in order.

I agree😃

You’re not being at all silly henetha and hopefully her killer will be caught soon.
It’s usually someone who is well known to the victim but it’s as well to be careful as you live in the area.

I didn’t invent a scenario butterandjam I stated that I ‘imagined’, I never stated that this was the case. People can imagine what the case might be and be way off beam but that doesn’t mean they are fantasists. Not does it mean a rude reply is in order.

I live very near to where Anne lived and pass her house every time I go to the moors.
I had a couple of chance meetings with her; once when she opened our summer fete and I was near enough to say that I liked the dress she was wearing. She looked smaller in real life than on tv.
No one deserves to be murdered like this. I am a bit nervous about leaving my patio doors open now, until they catch the murderer. Or am I being silly? Probably...
RIP Anne.

Primrose53

TerriBull

I posted this on one of the other threads regarding this awful murder, but worth repeating because an illustration of just how hateful this element of the trans lobby are. Over on MN a link to X, Heather Herbert transwoman crowing over AW's murder, "I hope it was painful" What a vile person, I hope they get a visit from the police, but I won't hold my breath.

Heather Herbert is a transgender activist who stood as a Labour Party candidate and later joined the Green Party.
thank you TerriBull.

Yet another reason not to vote for the Greens.

Haytor is relatively rural, but not unusually so. We lived down the road from Haytor and Widdecombe and our village was similar.

I see Ann Widecombe attended Buckfast.

Luckygirl3

Mumsnet have closed the discussion about AW to new messages.

We can see why.

Delila

Yes, fantasising was an unnecessary choice of word.

It was Fallingsgtars choice of word, she invented this scenario of the person who was arrested

"I can only imagine that he ran from the police/resisted their attempts to question him, or initially confessed - and some people will do this to draw attention to themselves - and then was discovered to be a fantasist. "

Who's the fantasist now?