Authorities have initiated a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, who was discovered at her Devon residence with a head injury, marked by blood. 

The discovery was made when police responded to a call from paramedics after they found the former Conservative prisons minister with ‘serious injuries’ at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor at 11:40 am the previous day.

The 78-year-old’s passing was initially communicated by her management this morning, with early reports indicating no foul play, suggesting natural causes.

However, this afternoon, a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police revealed that a murder investigation is underway, and they are searching for a ‘white male’ who they believe to be linked to the incident. 

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson stated: “The murder investigation is in its infancy but progressing rapidly. We are utilizing all available resources to determine the exact circumstances and to track down the individual we suspect, identified as 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.’

Forensic officers are in the process of examining Miss Widdecombe’s property, which is surrounded by a cordon. 

Sir Keir Starmer described the announcement of a murder investigation as ‘really shocking news’ and praised the former MP as a ‘distinguished politician’. He refused to comment when asked if he thought the murder could be politically motivated. 

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described the circumstances as ‘extremely distressing’ but urged the public not to speculate. 

‘I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ann Widdecombe,’ she said. ‘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.’

After arriving at Miss Widdecombe’s home, officers spoke to a carer who worked for her and is believed to have found her body, it is understood. 

Known for her redoubtable, no-nonsense nature, Miss Widdecombe spent more than two decades as a Tory MP before becoming a Brexit Party MEP and joining Reform UK in 2023. 

She was last seen on Wednesday while appearing on Talk TV to back Nigel Farage in the Clacton by-election.

Miss Widdecombe also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She moved to her home in Dartmoor in 2008 and used the proceeds of her reality TV career to renovate it and install a swimming pool in the garden. In interviews, she recalled walking on Dartmoor as a child and told of admiring its bleak beauty. 

Miss Widdecombe’s management team, Cloud9 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. We implore anyone who may have relevant information to contact Devon & Cornwall Police.’

The announcement of the murder investigation has sent shockwaves through British politics. 

Sir Keir said it was a moment to ‘rise above any political differences’ and said he had spoken to Nigel Farage, Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch. 

Asked whether the murder is believed to have been politically motivated, the Prime Minister said the security of politicians ‘is of the utmost importance’ but he would not speculate on any potential motive.

‘It’s really important we remain vigilant. I’m not going to speculate about this particular case,’ he said. 

‘The chief constable has briefed me on the details as they’re known at the moment, but I think it’s very important for us to have in our thoughts the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe and, to be clear, the single most important thing at the moment is that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible by the police.

‘And I urge everybody listening or watching this who’s got any information at all which may be of assistance to the police to come forward to make sure that someone who is clearly dangerous is apprehended as quickly as possible, and the police investigation can proceed on that basis.’

Tory leader Mrs Badenoch said she was ‘stunned’ by the development and said her ‘heart is breaking for her family’. 

She was echoed by Labour MP Stella Creasy, who said she was ‘shocked to hear of these developments’. 

Mr Farage was among those paying tribute to Miss Widdecombe earlier today, calling her an ‘absolute force of nature’. 

The Reform UK leader told TalkTV: ‘She never let anyone… with any doubt in their minds at all where she stood on all the great issues of the day, and she was formidable too.

‘I mean, I can tell you, the times when I used to get a phone call from Ann, abrupt Ann on the phone, saying she disagreed with what I’d done or what I’d said.

‘And you know, she’d come to London and we’d sit down over a coffee and talk things through. But that was the thing about Ann: that all the disagreements she had with us over policy and direction and all the normal debate, that was always kept behind closed doors.

‘You know, in public, she was the most incredibly loyal ally.’

He added that Miss Widdecombe moving to the Brexit Party was a ‘very significant’ moment in ‘our political history’, adding: ‘She made us look serious. She made us look real.’

Earlier today, Mrs Badenoch called her a ‘formidable politician’.

The Tory leader said in a post on social media: ‘My deepest condolences and those of the Conservative Party to the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe.

‘She was a formidable politician who was never afraid to speak her mind and fought hard for what she believed. Always true to herself, her politics were strongly guided by her faith and her values. Rest in Peace, Ann.’

Anton Du Beke, who was partnered with Miss Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, said he was ‘devastated’ by the news. 

‘I had the most brilliant time with Ann on Strictly Come Dancing,’ he said. ‘She became a real friend. She was fun. She was upbeat. She was positive. She was supportive.

‘We had an incredible time together and we stayed firm friends.

‘My thoughts go out to all of her nearest and dearest and all her family. This is a sad day and I’m devastated by the news of Ann’s passing but I shall remember her fondly, and miss her.’

To share information, images or footage with police, visit the Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP]. You can also contact police by phone on 101 or through our website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Over the course of three months, California authorities have made a substantial impact in their fight against illicit activities, seizing more than 63,000 pounds of illegal cannabis valued at over $104 million. In a concerted effort aimed at dismantling organized criminal networks, the operations also resulted in the confiscation of firearms and cash.

From April through June, state officials executed a series of targeted enforcement actions across ten counties. During this period, more than 89,000 cannabis plants were eradicated, 17 firearms were confiscated, and $220,000 in cash was seized. These operations also led to the arrest of 24 individuals, as reported by the office of Governor Gavin Newsom.

Since the inception of California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force by Governor Newsom in 2022, the state has managed to seize and destroy over 841,000 pounds of illicit cannabis, cumulatively valued at more than $1.3 billion. This significant effort underscores the ongoing battle against illegal cannabis trade in the state.

The concerted crackdown reflects California’s commitment to targeting the roots of illegal operations, which compromise both public safety and the legal cannabis industry. (California Governor’s Office)

“Through strong multiagency collaboration, California is making clear: if you threaten our communities, we will act,” he added.

The largest enforcement operation took place between May 14 and June 3 across the southern Central Valley and northern Antelope Valley, where the California Department of Fish and Wildlife led a multiagency effort serving 26 search warrants at illegal cannabis sites in Tulare, Kern and Los Angeles counties.

Authorities eradicated nearly 24,000 cannabis plants, destroyed roughly 3,700 pounds of processed cannabis, seized cash, and arrested or cited multiple individuals.

Investigators also uncovered numerous environmental violations, including 13 cultivation sites where banned, unregistered or foreign-labeled pesticides were found or suspected.

Kern County accounted for the largest seizure during the three-month operation, with authorities confiscating more than 25,000 pounds of illegal cannabis valued at $41.5 million and destroying 26,442 plants.

Authorities also seized more than 14,500 pounds of illegal cannabis in Alameda County, valued at more than $24 million.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel said investigators routinely find restricted pesticides at illegal grow sites tied to organized criminal enterprises.

She warned the toxic chemicals threaten wildlife and can also pose a risk to consumers because illegally grown cannabis isn’t tested for safety.

On sweltering days, indulging in an ice cream cone can be incredibly rewarding. For one golfer, however, this sweet treat became more than just a way to cool off – it seemingly turned into a symbol of good luck.

Charley Hull began her journey at the Evian Championship with some challenges, recording two bogeys within her first six holes. However, she soon found her rhythm, finishing the last 12 holes with an impressive 7-under par score.

Amidst this remarkable performance, Hull paused her game briefly to hold an ice cream cone during her round.

Interestingly, she didn’t actually eat any of the ice cream, despite what many might have assumed.

“I didn’t eat the ice cream. My boyfriend got it for my caddie, so I held it for a minute when he was putting my club in the bag,” Hull shared with reporters.

Hull said she does eat during golf tournaments, but her dietary plan is more nutritious, including items like bars and bananas. 

“I always eat every other hole,” Hull said. “So I eat on the third, the fifth, and the seventh, and then just every hole in pretty much.”

Although Hull said she didn’t have ice cream, her turnaround was still sparked by confidence and resilience. 

“I kind of just believed in myself and just kind of relaxed out there and took my time and took advantage of the birdies,” she said. 

After being forced to withdraw from last year’s Evian Championship due to an illness, Hull is currently playing her 11th event of the season. 

Before missing the cut at the Women’s PGA, she finished in the top 10 at the Chevron and in the top 2 at the U.S. Women’s Open.

Despite a rocky start, Hull currently sits in the top three at Evian and three back of Aki Iwai’s lead at 8 under. 

“Very lucky to be here – it’s almost like a little holiday,” Hull said of being at the tournament.

The highly anticipated eighth season of “Hearts of Heroes” has made its return, captivating audiences once again with its compelling stories of bravery and compassion.

Joining the show as a new co-host, Brooke Shields offers fresh energy and perspective as she immerses viewers in breathtaking rescues and touching reunions. As the stories unfold, audiences witness the extraordinary courage of ordinary people.

In her own words, Shields remarks, “You watch real people doing beautiful acts.” Her enthusiasm reflects the powerful impact of witnessing genuine acts of heroism played out on screen.

Meanwhile, her co-host, Sheldon Yellen, known for his expertise in disaster recovery, highlights the profound humility demonstrated by those involved. “The humility is incredible,” he asserts, emphasizing the admirable modesty of the real-life heroes depicted.

Shields further shares her excitement about joining the show, stating, “What attracted me when I was lucky enough to be asked to be a co-host and a part of the show was, you know, these are real-life stories.” As someone who has spent her career bringing fictional narratives to life, she finds inspiration in the authenticity of these extraordinary individuals who rise to heroic challenges.

The show highlights the lengths these heroes go to in order to selflessly make the rescue.

“It’s an all-in commitment, it’s a lifestyle, it’s a passion,” says Yellen. “It’s a way of life that they cannot get away from, and the commitment to putting their lives at risk is really something extraordinary.”

From hurricanes and tornadoes to car crashes and fires, “Hearts of Heroes” reunites the survivors of tragedy with the extraordinary people who saved their lives. And this season, the rescues are more dramatic than ever.

“There’s an unconscious man in a car stuck on a train track with just seconds who was removed from that situation by two brave police officers,” says Yellen.

“There are so many incredible stories,” says Shields. “One guy basically dove into the jaws of an alligator. It’s so nice to watch something that is so celebratory, that everybody can cheer for, that makes everybody feel good. We need that.”

“Hearts of Heroes” Season 8 premieres July 11 on ABC.

Today, the Princess of Wales enjoyed a day at the polo in Windsor, while her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, was busy with Invictus Games events over 100 miles away.

Catherine opted for a relaxed look, choosing a sleeveless gingham dress, a notable shift from her usual formal attire, as she supported her husband, Prince William, at the Guards Polo Club.

Her ensemble was completed with £260 slingback pumps from designer Camilla Elphick. She enjoyed the event in the company of William’s equerry, Squadron Leader Mike Reynolds.

The Prince of Wales seemed in high spirits as well, dressed in a beige jacket paired with a blue shirt and navy trousers, perfect for the occasion of the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup.

Later, he changed into a ‘4’ navy blue jersey and jodhpurs to take the field with his teammates. From the sidelines, the princess offered her encouragement, accompanied by Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling, the newlyweds who tied the knot last month.

Meanwhile William’s estranged brother Harry was in Birmingham as he launched the one-year countdown to his Invictus Games at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

Harry won a wheelchair rugby exhibition match and was in his element rushing around the court, crashing into opponents with glee and scoring tries.

Missing was his wife the Duchess of Sussex, who was due to attend the event but did not fly to the UK with Harry earlier this week because of security concerns.

Meghan is however expected to travel with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, prompting rumours of a meeting between the King and his grandchildren.

In an interview with ITV’s This Morning, presenter Alison Hammond suggested to Harry that his family must appreciate him, and he replied: ‘They don’t tell me everyday that they’re proud of me, but yeah I’m proud of them, they’re proud of me – I love my family.’

During the wheelchair rugby match, Harry threw a blind pass over his head straight into the arms of a teammate, who crossed the try-line, a move praised by TV presenter Ade Adepitan who won a bronze with the GB basketball team at the 2004 Paralympics.

The broadcaster, who played on Harry’s team which ran out 7-1 winners, said: ‘He did a no-look pass. Did you see it? A no-look pass over his head.

‘I mean, he said to me at the end ‘it was just a throw and hope’ but I said ‘style it out, style it out,’ that was done on purpose.’

The event was part of a series of showcase sports highlighting events that will be staged when Birmingham hosts the Invictus Games.

As for Catherine, it was her first time back at the poli charity match in two years,

Today’s event also marked William’s 15th appearance at the annual Windsor fixture that has become an important fundraiser for the future King’s charities.

Catherine last attended the charity polo match was in 2023 – and the following March, the future Queen announced she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer following planned abdominal surgery.

She is currently in remission, with the mother-of-three going from strength to strength as she recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge to spread her message of life after cancer.

Harriet was typically elegant as she opted for a sky blue shirt dress with strappy tan sandals and a whimsical straw bag from Anya Hindmarch worth £425.

The funds raised today will be distributed across 10 charities and causes supported by William and Catherine , including the Wales Air Ambulance and Evelina London Children’s Hospital.

Catherine recently carried out a low-key engagement at the hospital which treats some of the capital’s sickest children and youngsters, as she raised smiles and spirits while highlighting Evelina’s expansion project.

This year’s polo match is expected to take the total money raised to over £15million to support the vital work carried out by charities close to the Prince and Princess’s hearts.

It comes after William undertook a series of engagements in Hastings yesterday – while the King and Queen visited London Zoo.

Newly unveiled 911 recordings reveal the palpable fear among North Charleston, South Carolina, residents who reported sightings of armed teenagers and gunfire, with one caller likening the mayhem to a “full-out war.” This chaos unfolded during a Fourth of July block party, which later saw police officers assaulted.

The 911 recordings, obtained by News Media from Charleston County Dispatch, disclose a surge of frantic calls made shortly before 8:30 p.m. As the city-approved Fourth of July celebration in North Charleston’s Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood began spiraling into disorder.

Callers were heard reporting that individuals blatantly carried firearms, gunshots rang repeatedly through the area, and a palpable sense of fear gripped the community. As officers tried in vain to disperse the crowd of hundreds, multiple officers ended up being attacked, leading to six arrests.

Among the first reports to emergency services was a caller who alerted dispatchers about armed crowds gathering near Calvert Street and North Carolina Avenue. “Everybody got guns,” the caller stressed, urgently requesting police intervention, “We need the police out here bad. They need to come out here.”

The caller also reported hearing gunfire and described seeing a blue Dodge Charger parked near a bus stop with armed people gathered around it.

As officers responded, another resident described the situation rapidly deteriorating after having already contacted authorities.

“I called 45 minutes ago and asked to have officers come out here to break up a group of kids with firearms, and now there’s like a full-out war going on outside my f—ing front door,” the caller told a dispatcher.

Dispatch logs show officers soon reported more than 500 people at the gathering while requesting every available unit to help disperse the crowd.

The same caller later reported seeing what appeared to be muzzle flashes.

“I just watched about six of them that have f—ing muzzle flash,” the caller said. “It looked like they were f—ing shooting at each other and running in opposite directions.”

Another resident in the area told dispatchers that one person in the crowd shouted, “Get the strap,” before the caller heard gunfire moments later.

“I came inside and about 10 seconds later I heard three gunshots,” the caller said. “I need officers over here please.”

Another homeowner reported watching teenagers fire a handgun into the ground from across the street.

“I got a group of like teenage kids across my street… shooting a gun into the… ground,” the caller said, adding the individual tucked the weapon back into his waistband.

The recordings also capture the growing fear among residents as gunfire continued.

One caller told dispatchers they had armed themselves while waiting for officers to arrive.

“I have my gun in my hand. If they come on my property, I will kill somebody,” the caller said, noting that he heard 20 to 30 shots. “I have on camera several individuals. We’ve been calling all night about this. We need people posted out here.”

As the response intensified, officers were instructed not to respond alone and to pair up while working the crowd.

Police previously said officers responded around 8:30 p.m. after receiving reports of people firing fireworks toward passing vehicles before learning attendees had begun discharging firearms.

Officers repeatedly ordered the crowd to disperse, but multiple fights broke out, and additional gunfire was reported, prompting officers to leave their patrol vehicles to restore order.

Authorities said multiple officers were assaulted during the response, including two female officers who suffered minor injuries. Viral video from the scene shows one officer being pulled to the ground while attempting to detain a woman before several people began striking her.

Investigators recovered multiple firearms, including what police described as a machine gun, along with a makeshift spear. Six people — including four juveniles — have since been charged in connection with the incident, though police said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.

A team of archaeologists has recently stumbled upon a concealed chamber beneath an estate linked to one of ancient Rome’s most renowned emperors. This find is believed to possibly represent the oldest structure yet discovered at the location.

The breakthrough was recorded at Hadrian’s Villa located in Tivoli, Italy, and was highlighted in an announcement from Pablo de Olavide University (UPO) situated in Seville, Spain.

This imperial villa once served as the residence of Emperor Hadrian, who governed Rome from 117 to 138 AD.

Emperor Hadrian is renowned for the construction of Hadrian’s Wall in northern Britain and for his extensive travels across the Roman Empire during his rule.

Currently, the vast imperial complex is maintained as a UNESCO-listed site, attracting tourists and archaeologists from all over the world.

At the villa, archaeologists found an underground structure that dates back to the Roman Republic period, which spanned from 509 BC to 27 BC — centuries before Hadrian took power.

The abandoned structure, which officials believe may have been used as a silo or storage facility, was partially filled in with ancient construction debris and ceramic materials.

The find “could prove to be the oldest structure ever identified at Hadrian’s Villa,” officials said.

Much of that earlier complex was destroyed during construction of the emperor’s sprawling villa, leaving archaeologists with few clues about its history.

“The discovery is particularly significant because it is associated with a villa that predated Hadrian’s imperial residence and was later partially incorporated into the construction of the Palazzo,” the statement added.

It was surprising to see that the structure was not completely filled with soil, said Rafael Hidalgo, director of the Palazzo Project at Hadrian’s Villa.

Hidalgo told Fox News Digital that more surprises came when his team began excavating the space’s interior.

They found objects that “provide highly valuable information for understanding the history of Hadrian’s Villa,” he said in an email translated from Spanish to English.

“The recovery of a significant assemblage of archaeological materials from inside the structure … will allow us, once the ongoing study is completed, to propose a date for this archaeological context,” he said.

“That will be of great importance in establishing the chronology of the earlier villa and determining the period during which it was occupied.”

Archaeologists found several ceramic pieces along with architectural terracottas that once lined the roof of a nearby building.

Several of the terracottas featured canine heads, while one depicted a bull’s head.

Hidalgo said the structure is in “excellent condition,” especially its vaulted roof, which is relatively fragile and typically collapses.

The roof “was perfectly preserved,” he said.

“Even on the inner surface of the vault, the impressions left by the wooden centering — the timber framework used during construction — are still clearly visible,” said Hidalgo.

“These supported the opus caementicium [or] Roman concrete, as it was poured to create the vault.”

The archaeologist said the discovery helps fill a longstanding gap in what experts know about the villa that existed before Hadrian’s.

“We have relatively little information about this earlier villa because much of it was destroyed by Emperor Hadrian during the construction of his own complex,” Hidalgo said.

The find adds to a growing list of underground archaeological discoveries that provide insight into ancient Rome.

Earlier this year, Italian officials unveiled the remains of an ancient Roman villa discovered beneath a high school gym near Rome’s Colosseum.

Last summer, excavations for Rome’s Metro Line C led archaeologists to uncover a multi-story apartment building dating back to the first century BC.