Police launch manhunt for murder suspect after Ann Widdecombe was found dead at home with 'serious head wound': Live updates

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Police have launched a manhunt following the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe after she was found dead at her Devon home.  Officers found the former Conservative prisons minister with 'serious injuries' and covered in blood from a head wound after an ambulance crew called them to her house in Haytor, Dartmoor at 11.40am yesterday.  The 78-year-old's death was first announced by her agent this morning and there had been no suggestion it was caused by anything other than natural causes.  But in an update this afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police said officers have begun a murder inquiry and are hunting a 'white male' who they 'believe is responsible'.  Follow all the latest updates on the investigation on the Daily Mail's live blog.  Ann Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 Management, said they were 'absolutely devastated' by the news the police had launched a murder investigation into her death. In a statement a spokesperson 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. 'We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.' Devon and Cornwall Police are due to hold a press conference at 4.30pm. We'll bring you all the details when it gets underway. A manhunt is underway for a 'white male' following the death of Ann Widdecombe aged 78, police have confirmed. The former Tory-turned-Reform politician was found dead with serious injuries on Thursday morning. Police are hunting for a white man who they believe to be responsible. Police have launched a murder inquiry into the death of Ann Widdecombe after she was found covered in blood from a head wound at her Devon home. Officers found the former Conservative prisons minister with 'serious injuries' after an ambulance crew called them to her house in Haytor, Dartmoor at 11.40am yesterday. The 78-year-old's death was first announced by her agent this morning and there had been no suggestion it was caused by anything other than natural causes. But this afternoon Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a murder investigation has been launched. Good afternoon and welcome to the Daily Mail's live blog. Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of Ann Widdecombe. We'll bring you all the latest updates as we get them.