Jenna Moon
Live editor

Image source, Reuters

Devon and Cornwall Police say they believe that Ann Widdecombe was attacked 24 hours before she was found dead in her home on Dartmoor on Thursday.

In a statement, the police says it is continuing its investigation "at pace" and a tip line has been established as they search for possible leads.

But the force also says it won't be sharing descriptions of any potential suspects, or releasing CCTV footage, in order to not compromise "ongoing enquiries".

Earlier today, police released a man arrested on suspicion of the former Tory minister's murder, saying he is no longer part of the investigation.

Widdecombe, who had been working as Reform UK's spokesperson in recent months, was reportedly unreachable for several hours on Wednesday by staff from Channel 5 who were attempting to arrange an interview.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage paid tribute to Widdecombe at Dartmoor National Park, where he laid a wreath in her memory. "She loved the moor, in all its moods, she loved its wildlife," he said, calling her "part of the community".

Widdecombe's long-time driver, Peter Horrall, arrived this morning to lay flowers near the entry to her property. "I liked her because if you asked her a question, you'd get an answer - no mucking about," Horrall says.

In the quiet nearby village of Ilsington, some residents are concerned that the police have not yet made an arrest.

One woman told the BBC earlier that the news that the initial suspect was released left her "worried".

Our news story has all the latest details while our reporters on the ground have been speaking with local residents.

Devon and Cornwall Police has said they will not be releasing further information on the case, including descriptions of any potential suspects, so as to not prematurely compromise "ongoing enquiries".

In a new update, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman says: "At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage.

"Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities.

"The decision not to disclose further details at this time is made on an operational basis. We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation."

He reiterates a plea for the public to come forward with relevant information.

Image source, Getty Images

• 1987 - Elected as Conservative MP for Maidstone
• 1994 - Made a minister in the Department of Employment
• 1995 - Becomes a minister in the Home Office
• 1998 - Appointed shadow health secretary
• 1999 - Appointed shadow home secretary
• 2010 - Retires from politics but continues to write
• 2010 - Appears on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing
• 2018 - Finishes as the runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother
• 2019 - Becomes an MEP for the Brexit Party
• 2020 - Stops being an MEP as Britain leaves the EU
• 2023 - Joins Reform UK and becomes the party's immigration and justice spokesperson

We can bring you some more now from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who has been visiting Widdecombe's village this afternoon.

Speaking to reporters about his late ally, Farage says: "Redoubtable - I think the word was invented for her.

"Opponents knew exactly what to expect from her and at times, I have to say colleagues did feel the wrath of her tongue."

He adds that Widdecombe believed people had the "freedom and the right" to say things that insulted each other.

Citing one of her colleagues, Farage says: "[They] said during those years in the shadow cabinet - she was the only one who always, always, always spoke up for what she believed to be the national interest.

"She was a great colleague, loved by all of us that worked with her - even if at times she would tell me I was wrong."

The BBC has reporters on the ground in Devon, where police are investigating the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.

Here's the latest from BBC South West's Janine Jansen:

Image source, Reuters

The families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and David Amess have paid tribute to Ann Widdecombe following the politician's death.

Writing in the Mirror newspaper Cox's husband, Brendan Cox, says Widdecombe's death "brings back all of the pain and emotion of losing Jo when she was murdered" in 2016.

"I hope the whole country comes together as they did when Jo was killed, to honour somebody who was a real public servant and who believed in doing her best to represent the people that she cared about," writes Cox.

Katie Amess, daughter of Conservative MP Amess - who was fatally stabbed in 2021 - describes Widdecombe as "warm, principled and unwavering", and recalls "the kindness, strength and dignity she showed in the most difficult moments of our lives".

Devon and Cornwall Police say the murder inquiry is in its early stages "but moving at a significant pace". On Friday, they said there was no information to suggest that Ann Widdecombe's death was a "politically motivated crime".

Image source, Reuters

More now from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who spoke to reporters after laying a wreath near Ann Widdecombe's home.

Paying tribute to Widdecombe, he describes her as a "remarkable individual" and "the fiercest proponent of free speech".

"She loved the moor, in all its moods, she loved its wildlife," Farage says, calling her "part of the community".

He adds that Reform is "doing everything we can to support the police in every way".

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has laid flowers at Dartmoor National Park close to Ann Widdecombe's home.

Farage then spoke to reporters gathered at the scene.

We will bring you more from Farage shortly.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Cachella Smith
Live reporter

Image source, PA Media

Ann Widdecombe's death was first announced by her management team on Friday morning.

At that point, there was no indication of anything suspicious surrounding the circumstances of her death.

On Friday afternoon, the police said they had launched a murder investigation.

That investigation is still ongoing, here's what we've heard from the police so far:

Friday afternoon

• Shortly before 16:00 BST on Friday, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed reports that a murder investigation into Widdecombe's death was under way
• The force said in a statement it believed the person responsible is a white male, and appealed for people to come forward with information - it added Widdecombe had sustained serious injuries

Friday evening

• At a delayed news conference, police announced the arrest of a 26-year-old white British man - police added there was "no information" to suggest this was a "politically motivated crime"
• Counter-terror police had been involved in initial enquiries but the attack was not being treated as a terrorist incident, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said

Saturday morning

• Police said the 26-year-old male initially arrested had been released and was no longer part of the investigation

Saturday afternoon

• The force said it believes the time of the attack was at 12:30 on Wednesday - the day before Widdecombe's body was found. They are still looking for a suspect believed to be a "white male"

Image source, Getty Images

We're seeing some images from the scene around Ann Widdecombe's home in Devon.

There is a large police and media presence, and memorial flowers have been placed near the entry to her property.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Jacob Phillips
Live reporter

Image source, Reuters

Ann Widdecombe came out of political retirement to stand as a candidate for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party in the European Elections in April 2019 - nine years after she stopped being a Conservative MP.

She was elected as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) a month later, declaring she wanted a "clean Brexit".

Widdecombe found herself at the centre of controversy during her maiden speech in the European Parliament when she compared the UK leaving the EU to "slaves" rising up "against their owners".

The UK left the EU on 31 January 2020 and entered a transition period - a year later the Brexit Party officially changed its name to Reform UK.

Widdecombe later joined Reform UK in March 2023 and made a number of appearances as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.

Following her death, Farage described Widdecombe as "a devout Christian and somebody with strong socially conservative views". He said she "stood up for what she believed, regardless of fashion".

Emma Hallett
Reporting from Ilsington, Devon

The village of Ilsington is just a three minute drive from Ann Widdecombe's house. It is made up of pretty white thatched cottages, has a church, a village pub and a village shop that is run by volunteers.

Widdecombe was often seen going in and out of the shop and always had a smile and a wave for those in the village, a local resident tells me.

Most of those living there did not want to be named but spoke of their shock at the news of Widdecombe's death, as well as concern.

Jane Parsons lives just up the road on the outskirts of the village and comes down to the village shop to pick up her essentials. She said there had been an almost sigh of relief when they thought the man responsible had been arrested but that this morning's news had left her "worried".

To help reassure the public uniformed police officers have been going door to door, checking on people as well as asking for any information that might help with the police enquiry.

Cachella Smith
Live reporter

The latest update from the police indicates they believe Ann Widdecombe was attacked at 12:30 BST on Wednesday 8 July.

An anonymous local resident told the BBC they had seen her that day.

Her body was found the following day when ambulance service workers called the police at around 11:40.

Here are the timings so far, as the investigation is still developing:

Wednesday

• 08:05 - Ann Widdecombe makes an appearance on TalkTV
• 12:19 - A researcher from Channel 5 reportedly speaks to Widdecombe looking to set up a video statement - her last message was received at 12:19
• 12:30 - Police believe this is the time that Widdecombe was attacked
• 12:48 - The Channel 5 researcher messages again,according toITV reports, asking Widdecombe to join a Zoom link before the interview but she does not reply

Thursday

• 11:40 - Devon and Cornwall Police officers were called by the ambulance service. They find her deceased in the property

Jenny Kumah
Reporting from Haytor Vale

Here in Haytor Vale there’s a real sense of shock at what’s happened and also worry that the perpetrator is still out there.

I spoke to one resident who didn’t want to be named who said it’s normally a safe village, and there was some sense of relief when police announced a man had been arrested, but now there is great concern.

The resident I spoke to told me he had last seen Ann Widdecombe on Wednesday.

He described her as a "powerful lady who was well liked and accepted".

He said "she was very, very slow and she looked quite frail and it’s unbelievable someone could do something like that".

More now from Devon and Cornwall Police.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us," says Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman.

He is also urging people to avoid speculating online about what happened.

"This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.

"The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.

"We have set up a Major Incident Public Portal for information, images or footage to be submitted to us. This can be found on our website."

Image source, Pool

We've just received a new statement from Devon and Cornwall Police.

"We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm," the statement reads.

"Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male."

We'll bring you more on this in just a moment.

Emma Hallett
BBC West

The area where Ann Widdecombe lived on Dartmoor has now been taken over by journalists, news reporters and cameras.

The narrow lanes that lead from the local village of Ilsington to her house are busy with vehicles trying to pass parked cars.

Some vehicles are slowing down to look at the press pack that has gathered next to the police cordon at the house.

Others are keen to just get past.

Forensics officers have arrived at Ann Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon, and have been seen searching near the property.

Here are the latest pictures:

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

John Henderson
Reporting from Devon

We've heard from the Bishop of Plymouth, Rt Rev Nicholas Hudson. He says he was "really shocked to hear that Ann had died."

While he says he didn't know the former Conservative minister personally, "I know that she was a woman of faith and a great public servant, really."

He says the church is praying for her and her loved ones.

The bishop says mass will get under way at 12 BST - which has just ticked by - at Buckfast Abbey today, the parish Widdecombe frequented.

"Our prayers, the prayers of all the community, across Plymouth Diocese, in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, are very much with her and with her family and friends," Hudson says.

Janine Jansen
Reporting from Haytor

Ann Widdecombe's long-time driver, Peter Horrall, has spoken with the BBC near the former Tory minister's home in Devon.

Horrall laid flowers near the home and told the BBC that he drove for her for about 10 years. "She was a great lady, very kind, a privilege to take in the car," he said.

He explained that he drove her long distances, including to Whitby and Leeds, and recalls dropping her off at the Apollo Theatre in west London when she appeared on Britain's Got Talent.

"I liked her because if you asked her a question, you'd get an answer - no mucking about," Horrall says.

He says he was "shocked" by the news and "just couldn't believe" what had happened.