A murder investigation has been launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe, police have confirmed.

Devon and Cornwall Police said they are looking for the person responsible who they believe to be a white male.

Police officers were called by the ambulance service to the home of the 78-year-old former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesperson on Dartmoor in Devon at about 11:40 BST on Thursday.

Widdecombe was found dead within the property with serious injuries, police said.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the suspect is “clearly dangerous” and that he would “implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries” and to “get him into police custody”.

Det Ch Insp Ilona Rosson said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this difficult time.”

Rosson said the investigation was “in its early stages but moving at a significant pace”.

A cordon remains in place at the property, with forensic investigations being carried out. Officers are going door-to-door in the area and carrying out CCTV enquiries.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor Vale, Haytor, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage which could assist with our investigation,” Rosson said.

A statement released by Widdecombe’s agent announcing her death on Friday morning made no mention of the specific circumstances of her death.

In a follow-up statement later on Friday, Widdecombe’s management said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

“We fully support the police in their investigations and we reiterate the family’s desire not to be contacted at this difficult time.”

The investigation is being carried out by the Force Major Crime Investigation Team, which is a county level police unit and responsible for investigating the most serious crimes.

The uniformed police presence has been increased in the area to support the investigation and provide reassurance to residents.

Rosson asked the public not to speculate about the circumstances of Widdecombe’s death, especially on social media.

“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe,” she said.

The prime minister and other political leaders said they were stunned by the development on Friday afternoon.

Sir Keir said it was “really shocking news”, adding that “my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them”.

The prime minister said he had spoken to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, Reform leader Nigel Farage, MP Andy Burnham, and House Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, adding it was important that this was a moment where “we rise above any political differences”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe”.

“The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann’s family and loved ones.”

The prime minister and the home secretary said they had spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, and Mahmood added that her department was able to provide whatever assistance necessary.

Badenoch said she was “stunned to hear this awful news”.

“My heart is breaking for her family,” she said.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey posted on social media that he was “really shocked and distressed” at the news. He described Widdecombe as a “woman of deep faith who devoted her life to public service”.

Widdecombe’s political career spanned decades. She served as MP for Maidstone in Kent for 23 years, and worked as a Home Office and employment minister in Sir John Major’s government between 1994 to 1997.

After leaving Parliament she embarked on a showbiz career, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and Celebrity Big Brother in 2018.

A staunch supporter of the UK’s departure from the EU, she became an MEP for the Brexit Party, representing South West England in the European Parliament between 2019-2020.

In 2023, Widdecombe joined Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, after it changed its name from the Brexit Party, and made a number of appearances as the party’s immigration and justice spokesperson.