Village in shock as 'horrific' Ann Widdecombe murder case unfolds

Haytor Vale: A village at the heart of tragedy Image source, ReutersImage caption, The heavy police presence has remained in place since the murder investigation was launched on ThursdayByCharlotte Cox, South West, Janine Jansen, Devon and Jenny Kumah, South WestPublished41 minutes agoA police cordon remains in place at Widdecombe's Rest - the name Ann Widdecombe gave to her Dartmoor home as a symbol of her retirement.That name has now taken on a new, and tragic, significance. The residents of the tiny village of Haytor Vale - where neighbours are accustomed to feeling so safe they can leave their doors unlocked - are a community in shock.Home to fewer than 200 people and nestled on the edge of Dartmoor, this peaceful valley is reeling with the knowledge that police suspect foul play in the death of the former government minister.Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday morning. As a police investigation and manhunt continues - and amid the tributes and grief - there is also whispered concern that a perpetrator could still be at large. "It shouldn't have happened, it's horrific," said one neighbour. "It's very, very safe around here."Another said: "It's unbelievable someone could do something like that."Meanwhile, the walkers, families and nature lovers who usually populate the village during the summer months have been replaced by police, forensics officers and journalists. To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, People in Ann Widdecombe's village are "in shock"There have been several tributes for the former MP for Maidstone and Kent, from politicians and those who encountered her on the national stage.Near her Devon home, flowers are now propped against a "Please drive slowly" sign.Locally, there is horror over the death of a woman who had become "just a person in the community" since moving here 18 years ago....