Police: Ann Widdecombe Attacked Nearly 24 Hours Before Death

Police said Ann Widdecombe was attacked at her home nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, as investigators continued searching for a suspect.

Authorities said the timeline is based on information gathered in the early stages of the investigation. Widdecombe’s death is being treated as suspicious, and police said the attack happened inside her home.

Police have not released additional details about the circumstances of the attack or the condition in which Widdecombe was found. They also have not publicly identified a suspect, but said a search was ongoing.

The case has prompted renewed calls from investigators for information that could help establish Widdecombe’s movements and contacts in the period before her death. Police said they were working to confirm the sequence of events and to determine how the attacker gained access to the home.

The development matters because investigators believe there was a significant gap between when the attack occurred and when Widdecombe was discovered. That window can affect the availability of evidence, potential witness recollections, and the ability to track a suspect’s movements.

It also raises urgent questions for the investigation about what occurred during those hours, including whether anyone may have seen or heard anything around the home without realizing it was connected to a serious crime. Police said their work remains focused on identifying and locating the person responsible.

In the immediate term, investigators are continuing forensic and investigative work tied to the home and Widdecombe’s last known activities. Police have not said whether they have recovered any items of interest, nor have they released information about an arrest.

Authorities said the manhunt for a suspect was continuing. Police have not announced any changes to public safety guidance, but they have emphasized that the investigation is active and that they are still building a full picture of what happened.

Police are expected to provide further updates as they confirm more details about the timing of the attack and the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death. The case remains under investigation, with detectives working to establish the events leading up to when she was found.

Police said the inquiry is ongoing and that any new, verified information will be released as it becomes available.