As the murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe enters its sixth day, a disturbing new claim has emerged that raises serious questions about whether vital evidence was overlooked in the crucial early hours. A 64-year-old resident of the village where the 78-year-old former minister lived says he personally witnessed a major clue on the afternoon and evening of the killing — only to be allegedly dismissed by police when he tried to report it.

The man, who has lived in the Haytor area for decades, spoke exclusively to a major newspaper after growing frustrated with the response from authorities. His account has stunned investigators and the public alike, highlighting potential gaps in the initial response to one of the most high-profile murders in rural Britain in recent years.

According to the resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, he encountered two highly suspicious individuals outside the historic Rock Inn at Haytor on Wednesday evening — the day Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked around 12:30 p.m. in her nearby home. The Rock Inn, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike with its traditional charm and views toward the moor, sits just a short distance from Widdecombe’s property.

“I said to them what a lovely spot it was,” the 64-year-old recalled. “I mentioned we even have local celebrities like Ann Widdecombe living around the corner. One of them replied, ‘oh f*** her’.” The coarse and hostile reaction immediately alarmed him. The pair, he said, did not seem like typical tourists enjoying Dartmoor’s rugged beauty. They appeared out of place and evasive.

Later that evening, as police activity increased in the area, the resident approached three officers at a roadblock. He urged them to have a five-minute chat with the two men, who he believed were still nearby. Instead, he claims he was told to simply phone the information in through official channels. No immediate action was taken on the spot.

A Clue Potentially Missed

The man’s anxiety grew as news of Widdecombe’s death filtered through the village. Her body was discovered nearly 24 hours after the suspected attack time, lying in a pool of blood in her kitchen. The delayed discovery, combined with initial police statements that omitted mention of foul play, had already bred suspicion. When the resident finally shared his full account with journalists, police were reportedly “stunned” by what they may have overlooked.

The two individuals were said to be staying locally in the Haytor/Dartmoor area but working miles away in Taunton. This detail has puzzled investigators, as it suggests they had reason to be in the vicinity without an obvious tourist purpose. Police have now launched urgent efforts to trace them, issuing fresh appeals for anyone matching their description or with information about visitors to the Rock Inn that Wednesday evening.

This latest revelation comes on top of other leads, including sightings of a dark-coloured VW Golf Mk4 in an unusual location earlier that day and the red Vauxhall Corsa linked to the 28-year-old suspect from Rotherham. Counter-terrorism police have taken a leading role, and the suspect has been re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences following new evidence. Yet the resident’s story suggests the net may need to be cast wider — or that early opportunities were missed.

Nigel Farage Weighs In

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who laid a wreath near the scene on Saturday, has been vocal about perceived shortcomings. While police have warned against speculation, Farage described the killing as deliberate and pointed to vehicle movements around the time of the attack. His comments have resonated with some locals frustrated by the pace of information release.

The Rock Inn sighting fits into a broader picture of unease in a village that once prided itself on safety. “This was once one of the most peaceful places, where people didn’t even lock their doors,” residents repeatedly tell reporters. Now, forensic teams, roadblocks, and media vans dominate the narrow lanes beneath the granite tors of Haytor and nearby Hound Tor.

The 64-year-old’s decision to go public has divided opinions. Supporters praise his civic duty; critics worry it complicates a sensitive inquiry. Police have confirmed they are following up on his information but emphasise the importance of verified evidence over anecdotal reports.

Timeline Under Scrutiny

Widdecombe, a formidable figure in British politics for decades — serving as a Conservative MP, minister under John Major, and later a Reform UK spokesperson — had retired to the tranquillity of Dartmoor. Her strong views on immigration, justice, and social issues made her both admired and controversial. The brutal nature of her death, in a place she considered a sanctuary, has shocked the nation.

The resident described the two men as being in their 30s or 40s, with one speaking in a distinct accent possibly from outside the South West. They lingered outside the pub, showing little interest in the scenic surroundings but reacting sharply to Widdecombe’s name. Hours earlier, the suspected attack had already taken place, but the body remained undiscovered.

By Wednesday evening, as news slowly spread within the tight-knit community, the resident’s concern escalated. His attempt to flag the encounter at the roadblock — a time when police were presumably ramping up presence — was met with what he perceived as indifference. “They just said phone it in,” he told the newspaper. “I felt completely ignored.”

Only after the story broke did authorities appear to grasp its potential significance. This has led to accusations of complacency in the golden hours following the discovery of Widdecombe’s body on Thursday.

Impact on a Close Community

Haytor Vale and the surrounding moorland, with its prehistoric sites, abandoned medieval villages like Hound Tor, and sweeping landscapes, attract thousands of visitors annually. The Rock Inn has long been a hub for good food, local ales, and conversation. Now, its role in this drama adds a layer of grim notoriety.

Residents report heightened police activity, with door-to-door inquiries intensifying since the newspaper revelation. The 64-year-old has been interviewed formally, and efforts are underway to identify the pair through pub CCTV, witness statements, and local accommodation records.

Broader questions linger about resourcing in rural policing. Devon and Cornwall Police, already stretched across vast areas, faced an influx of calls after the high-profile case. Critics argue that dismissing an on-the-spot report from a concerned local was a misstep, especially given Widdecombe’s status.

Farage and Reform UK have used the incident to call for better protection for political figures and improved rural crime responses. “Ann gave her life to public service,” Farage stated. “The least we owe her is a full and transparent investigation.”

What Happens Next?

Police have appealed for anyone who was at or near the Rock Inn on Wednesday evening, or who knows the two men described, to contact them urgently. Dashcam footage from roads around Haytor, sightings of vehicles linked to Taunton workers, or unusual behaviour at local accommodations could prove decisive.

The suspect already in custody remains a central figure, with the long drive from Rotherham and reported items at his home adding complexity. However, the new testimony suggests the possibility of additional persons of interest or a wider network.

For the 64-year-old resident, speaking out was a matter of conscience. “I tried to do the right thing,” he said. “I just hope it helps catch whoever did this.”

As Dartmoor’s mists continue to shroud the tors and the village grapples with its lost innocence, the investigation presses on. What began as a shocking discovery in a peaceful home has unravelled into a web of missed opportunities, vehicle sightings, witness accounts, and political fallout.

Ann Widdecombe’s murder has exposed fault lines in trust — between communities and police, officials and the public. Whether the two men at the Rock Inn prove relevant or a red herring, the fact that a local’s alert was allegedly sidelined has left many wondering what else might have been overlooked in those critical first hours.

Police have reiterated that the inquiry is dynamic and complex, with counter-terrorism support. But for residents of Haytor Vale, the message is clear: every clue matters, and ignoring a concerned voice could have consequences.

The moor stands silent witness. The search for answers — and accountability — continues.