An inquest will be opened tomorrow morning in Exeter into the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, who was found at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on 9 July. A 28-year-old white British man, arrested on suspicion of murder on 11 July, remains in custody after counter-terrorism officers took over the investigation two days later.
Hearing set for County Hall
Devon’s coroner is due to commence formal proceedings at 10am on Tuesday, 21 July, at County Hall, Exeter. The opening is expected to confirm identification and outline the circumstances known so far. Police previously said Ms Widdecombe, aged 78, had suffered
“serious injuries”and that officers believed the incident was a
“targeted attack”.
Counter-terrorism team leads inquiry
Two days after the initial arrest, counter-terrorism police assumed primacy in the case and further arrested the man on suspicion of the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. Under terrorism legislation, suspects can be detained for up to seven days initially, with applications possible to extend custody up to 14 days in total. It is understood the initial seven-day period is due to expire on Monday evening.
What an inquest opening means
An inquest is a coroner’s inquiry into a death that appears violent, unnatural, or of unknown cause. The opening hearing is typically brief and procedural. It may record basic details such as the deceased’s identity, date and place of death, and note any initial post-mortem findings if available. It can also result in the inquest being adjourned to allow criminal investigations to proceed. The inquest does not determine criminal liability; that is a matter for the courts if charges are brought.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 9 July | Ann Widdecombe found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor |
| 11 July | 28-year-old white British man arrested on suspicion of murder |
| 13 July | Counter-terrorism police take over inquiry; suspect further arrested under terrorism laws |
| 20 July (evening) | Initial seven-day terrorism detention period due to expire |
| 21 July, 10am | Inquest opening scheduled at County Hall, Exeter |
Community impact and policing context
The death in a quiet Dartmoor community and the subsequent involvement of counter-terrorism officers have inevitably raised concerns locally. Devon and Cornwall Police have not released further details about the nature of the injuries or any suspected motivation, beyond the indication that the attack appeared targeted. The force continues to liaise with specialist units while managing the balance between operational sensitivity and public reassurance.
- Venue and time: County Hall, Exeter, 10am on Tuesday, 21 July
- Arrest status: 28-year-old man remains in custody under terrorism legislation
- Investigation lead: Counter-terrorism police following initial arrest by detectives
What happens next
Following tomorrow’s opening, the coroner is likely to adjourn the inquest pending the outcome of the ongoing criminal investigation. Any subsequent extensions to the suspect’s detention would require judicial approval under terrorism laws. Further updates from police and the coroner are expected in due course, and the full inquest hearing—when it takes place—will consider how, when, and in what circumstances Ms Widdecombe died.
As proceedings unfold, the focus of both the coroner and investigators remains on establishing the facts with precision. Members of the public with information are advised to engage with the police via official channels if requested; no public appeals have been detailed at this stage.
