LIVE: Latest news surrounding death of Ann Widdecombe

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Ann Widdecombe. Image: Getty.

They say that police officers were called to an address at Haytor, in Dartmoor, at around 11.40am BST on Thursday.

Police said Widdecombe was found dead at the property and had sustained serious injuries. 

A statement from police is expected to be made at 16:30 BST this afternoon.

Widdecombe served as MP for Maidstone for 23 years and was a minister of state for prisons and employment in John Major’s government.

She was also well known for her TV appearances outside of politics, famously featuring on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

In her later political career, she went on to join Reform UK and became a vocal supporter of Brexit.

In a statement, Cloud9 Management, who represented her for more than a decade, said: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG.

“We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.”