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Police launch an investigation into Ann Widdecombe death

(303 Posts)
62Granny Fri 10-Jul-26 15:45:03

breaking news on the BBC news site that they are investigating her death.
I didn't always agree with her opinions of her politics but would hate that her death had been tragic .RIP.

Dickens Sat 11-Jul-26 20:30:33

Wyllow3

On the 6pm R4 news they repeated what the police are saying after the the release of the man they arrested.

They are still looking for a white male and still clear it was not a political or terrorist perpetrator

They have clearly information they have not released: and it obviously cannot be released as to how.

I don't keep up to date with the news regularly.

It's encouraging though - that they have more specific information which they obviously cannot share with the public yet.

... a point which some posters on FB should attempt to understand when making silly comments like "we are not being told the truth", Pointing out that they are, in fact, not privy to the details of the investigation in order not to jeopardise it is futile... <<sigh>>

Wyllow3 Sat 11-Jul-26 20:27:53

Silvershadow

She had CCTV and a ring type doorbell. They probably know who but can’t say. Nigel Farage seems to know a bit more as he claims a car was on her driveway minutes before. He says it’s premeditated.

That makes sense what I thought CCTV/doorbell.

Farage doesnt. How does he get insider information - and should he be sharing it!

Silvershadow Sat 11-Jul-26 20:08:32

She had CCTV and a ring type doorbell. They probably know who but can’t say. Nigel Farage seems to know a bit more as he claims a car was on her driveway minutes before. He says it’s premeditated.

Luckygirl3 Sat 11-Jul-26 20:04:48

Luckygirl3

Indeed - including my sibling ... I am quite worried.

I had to smile when listening to so many broadcasters saying about this murder of a little old lady - I am pretty sure she would not have appreciated that description ......

They live very nearby and it certainly brought them up short - I can only hope that the perpetrator has put a distance between him and the scene of the crime.

Wyllow3 Sat 11-Jul-26 20:01:32

On the 6pm R4 news they repeated what the police are saying after the the release of the man they arrested.

They are still looking for a white male and still clear it was not a political or terrorist perpetrator

They have clearly information they have not released: and it obviously cannot be released as to how.

Dickens Sat 11-Jul-26 19:57:33

Luckygirl3

Indeed - including my sibling ... I am quite worried.

I had to smile when listening to so many broadcasters saying about this murder of a little old lady - I am pretty sure she would not have appreciated that description ......

Indeed - including my sibling ... I am quite worried.

I'd imagine there's a police presence in and around the area - especially as the investigation is now ongoing which will be a deterrent. The area is probably safer now than it was. But still unsettling.

Luckygirl3 Sat 11-Jul-26 19:50:03

Indeed - including my sibling ... I am quite worried.

I had to smile when listening to so many broadcasters saying about this murder of a little old lady - I am pretty sure she would not have appreciated that description ......

Dickens Sat 11-Jul-26 19:42:24

Kandinsky

*I wonder how they can say it wasn’t terror related or politically motivated, how would they know what the motivation was?*

Well exactly - they haven’t found the murderer yet so how do they know what the motive was?

I'd imagine that calculation was made at the time they thought they'd arrested the perpetrator, and were basing their conclusions on whatever was going on in the interview room at that time.

The police are under so much pressure now when such horrible crimes are committed.

Back in the day, they could focus on finding the criminal, now they have to be mindful of a distrusting public who can be quite cynical.

When so little is known, it must be quite frightening for other residents in and around that area.

Kandinsky Sat 11-Jul-26 19:40:16

I don’t think a woman should feel guilty about having an abortion if she feels it’s the best decision for her / and her family. Equally, not all women could cope with a Down’s syndrome child, which is why our NHS offer screening in early pregnancy, amino etc.
However, I feel the 24 week limit is far too late, but appreciate some conditionings are not picked up until the 20 week scan.

TwiceAsNice Sat 11-Jul-26 19:32:20

I didn’t agree with her views on abortion or gay rights but she was very honest in her views what you see is what you get sort of thing.

It sounds as if she was a loyal friend which is always admirable and nobody deserves to die in a violent way . I’m very sad for her

J52 Sat 11-Jul-26 19:24:00

travelsafar

This has bought tears to my eyes.
Poor Anne she must have been so frightened and defenseless.
Breaks my heart to think this was the end of her life in such a violent way.😢😢😢

My sentiments exactly, regardless of any personal opinions. She was a lady living alone, as many are, enjoying her later life in the way she wished.
RIP Ann, you were always interesting in your thoughts and opinions.

Galaxy Sat 11-Jul-26 18:29:19

Well yes because unlike the be kind warriors many gay people understand that people can hold all sorts of views and we can rub along.
Two of my closest friends believe TWAW, one knows my very different views and one I am sure has guessed them ( we don't discuss those kind of issues), we care for each other a great deal. It is how things used to be about 5 minutes ago before the world went a bit crazy.

Primrose53 Sat 11-Jul-26 17:36:03

TV presenter and journalist Andrew Pierce has written a very lengthy and emotional tribute to Ann who was a best friend for years. He is gay and is married to a man and even though Ann did not agree with either they still remained friends. He said she was a wonderful friend, like him a Catholic and they met regularly and she rang him all the time. He is heartbroken.

Labradora Sat 11-Jul-26 16:34:21

travelsafar

This has bought tears to my eyes.
Poor Anne she must have been so frightened and defenseless.
Breaks my heart to think this was the end of her life in such a violent way.😢😢😢

Quite. I agree with Fallingstar that this miserable ** needs taking off the streets asap.
I once saw Ann Widdacombe on the platform at Kings Cross St Pancras and I was astonished by how small she was.
They never pick on some strapping guy with tattoos on his tattoos do they ?
A fragile lady nearly 80 years old. Just the ticket .

Bellanonna Sat 11-Jul-26 16:28:32

Perhaps police ruled out political motivation because there were signs of robbery, drawers and cupboards open, that kind of thing, that could indicate robbery being the prime motive.
But one wonders why he didn’t just go , as an elderly woman was hardly posing a physical threat.

Silvershadow Sat 11-Jul-26 16:27:04

It sounds as though they have an idea of who it is, it’s finding him. And they don’t tell the public everything.

Aveline Sat 11-Jul-26 16:15:56

We've all seen too many police dramas. I suspect I'm not the only one who can imagine the stress the SIO is under. Many bad tempered meetings and pressure from on high.

MartavTaurus Sat 11-Jul-26 16:13:04

The assistant chief constable said yesterday that they did not believe at this stage that the killing was politically motivated.
He did not rule it out.

Wyllow3 Sat 11-Jul-26 16:00:03

Kandinsky

*I wonder how they can say it wasn’t terror related or politically motivated, how would they know what the motivation was?*

Well exactly - they haven’t found the murderer yet so how do they know what the motive was?

There may be evidence unreleased to the public to rule it out, that's why.
They are hardly going to got say what it is, are they now?

Davisjen Sat 11-Jul-26 15:44:07

I did like her as a person maybe not all her views. She was a very modern woman who retained her integrity even when being dragged around the dance floor. I should imagine she was a good loyal friend and enjoyed life.I am so glad she had a strong deep faith. She will be with her maker now RIP.

Kandinsky Sat 11-Jul-26 15:25:00

I wonder how they can say it wasn’t terror related or politically motivated, how would they know what the motivation was?

Well exactly - they haven’t found the murderer yet so how do they know what the motive was?

Wyllow3 Sat 11-Jul-26 15:15:06

You've said some quite controversial things there Cumbrianmale56 and bazza

I would suggest we leave politics out of it until and unless it is established it is.

Cumbrianmale56 Sat 11-Jul-26 14:51:23

Bazza

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?

Same as me, some of her opinions would seem old fashioned to some people, but Ann was a very traditional person and very religious. Not being in favour of gay marriage doesn't make someone a terrible person, but her critics can't see past this.
She did make me laugh once when said Michael Howard had something of the night about him.

Galaxy Sat 11-Jul-26 14:45:34

It just gets worse.

Frenchgalinspain Sat 11-Jul-26 14:08:43

Terribly sorry to hear about this.