A murder investigation has been launched after the suspicious death of the former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home on Dartmoor, in Devon, police have said.

Widdecombe’s body was found with “serious injuries” by the ambulance service at an address in Haytor, Devon, at 11.40am on Thursday. The police said officers were searching for a “white male” in connection with her death.

The former Conservative minister’s next-of-kin had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers, Devon and Cornwall police said.

Detectives from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team had launched a murder investigation and were conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Widdecombe’s death.

Roads were closed around the scene and a cordon was in place at the property while specialist officers continued forensic examinations.

The force said there would be a significant police presence in the area on Friday while detectives and officers conducted house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

DCI 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.

“Our murder inquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened and to locate the person responsible, who we believe to be a white male.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.

“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.”

She said the extra police presence was also to provide reassurance to residents and anyone with concerns could approach officers.

“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media. This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.”

Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor Vale, a village within the Dartmoor National Park.

She was a Conservative MP from 1987-2010 for the Kent constituency of Maidstone, later Maidstone and the Weald. She became a member of the Brexit party from 2019 and served as an MEP, representing South West England, between 2019 and 2020. She was also a member of that party’s successor, Reform UK.

Paying tribute after her death was announced earlier on Friday, her management made no reference to how she died.

Portraying her political views as the result of what she saw as “strong Christian values and commitment to public service”, her representatives, Cloud9 Management, said: “She loved the cut and thrust of political debate and, 16 years after leaving parliament, was still actively campaigning for Reform UK and offering forthright views on the hot topics of the day across numerous radio and television programmes.

“Ann was a valued patron of many causes, particularly her animal charities. As Ann once said on The Graham Norton Show: ‘We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal, you take opportunities that you like and you go for it, that’s my philosophy.”

They later said they were “devastated” to learn a murder investigation had been launched into her death.

The statement said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

The home secretary urged the public to refrain from speculation over Widdecombe’s death, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

In a post on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am 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.

“Ann’s dedication to public service was decades long, and she was a true servant of her constituents.

“I have spoken to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall police today. The Home Office stands ready to provide whatever support they need with their ongoing investigation. I urge everyone to avoid speculation and allow the police investigation to progress.”