Category: Cambridgeshire

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe, following a large-scale manhunt for a white male.

Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation into the death of Miss Widdecombe, who was discovered deceased at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, near Newton Abbot in Devon at 11:40am on Thursday (July 9).

At an afternoon press conference, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death is not being treated as terror-related. Officers confirmed the suspect is British, reports the Daily Star.

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Miss Widdecombe, who had appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday (July 8), was found to have sustained “serious injuries”. Police also confirmed that a manhunt had been launched for a white male believed to be responsible for her death.

Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman speaking at a press conference(Image: BBC)

Speaking at the press conference, Assistant Chief Constable Longman said: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe. The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.”

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman further confirmed that Miss Widdecombe’s death was not being treated as a terrorist incident.

He added: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.

“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.

Ann Widdecombe’s secluded home – which she bought in 2008 – is now the scene of a frantic murder probe(Image: Sky News)

“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”
The former Conservative minister, aged 78, later served as a Brexit Party MEP before becoming a Reform UK spokeswoman, and also gained recognition beyond politics through her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. Numerous tributes were paid to her earlier today before officers confirmed their murder inquiry.
Speaking to journalists at Chequers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the news of the investigation for the first time. He said: “This is really shocking news, and my thoughts, I think all of our thoughts, will be with the family and friends of Ann Widdecombe at this awful time for them.
“Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.
“I’ve spoken to the chief constable this afternoon about the details and I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide and say the single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.

(Image: William Dax / SWNS)

“He’s clearly dangerous, and I implore everybody who’s got any information in relation to him to help the police with their inquiries, get him into police custody.”

Potential future Labour Leader and next PM Andy Burnham has also paid tribute following the death of Miss Widdecombe, through a spokesperson. A spokeswoman for Burnham said: “Andy’s deepest condolences and thoughts are with Ann’s family today, in incredibly distressing circumstances.
“Ann gave a lifetime of public service, and it’s absolutely right that the police put all their resources into investigating this as swiftly as possible.”
Miss Widdecombe’s management company Cloud 9 called on anyone with information to come forward, stating: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

The statement added: “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 and Cornwall Police.”

Devon and Cornwall Police have established a Major Incident Public Portal [MIPP] for information, images or footage to be submitted to them. You can also get in touch by phone on 101 or through their website, quoting reference 50260179119 and Operation Hunlen.
You can follow the link to the public portal here.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org..

The plans also propose an open space and play areaLand off Toll Bar Way, Sawtry, Cambridgeshire. (Image: LDRS)More than 300 homes could be built to ensure the “future growth” of a Cambridgeshire village. Endurance Estates has proposed to build up to 330 homes, as well as create an open space and play area, on land west of Toll Bar Way in Sawtry.Sawtry is described as a village of “ancient origins” in the plans. However, the applicants added that development of the village and construction of the A1 has “gradually eroded Sawtry’s relationship with its wider setting”.Therefore, the applicant seeks to “reinforce and celebrate Sawtry’s connection with its landscape and help deliver Huntingdonshire District Council’s aspirations for its places, its residents and visitors alike”.The current site for where the homes could be built is a field used for grazing and it’s next to Sawtry services. Of the 330 homes proposed, 40 percent will be affordable housing.Endurance Estates added that landscape is at the “core” of the proposals, as 70 percent of the site will be made up of open space. The developer’s plans include a village green to provide a “flexible space for both new and existing communities”.There will also be other green spaces spread out across the site. This includes two “strategic” green spaces, known as the Water Meadows Linear Park to the north and the Common to the south.In terms of access to the development, this will be via two T-junctions from Toll Bar Way and Green End Road. The applicants plan to create a network of footpaths and cycleways through the open space as well.Before an application was submitted, the developers carried out public consultations with residents and shared a number of concerns before submission. Some concerns and wants were raised about infrastructure capacity; transport, access and highway safety; and community and green infrastructure.Residents were concerned about the “pressure on existing infrastructure” in Sawtry, including GPs, schools and shops.In response to this, the applicant said the site will “contribute towards local infrastructure” with support for education, healthcare and transport improvements”. Other concerns were raised about the safety of roads.A transport assessment produced as part of the plans said the local highway network could “accommodate” the development. The developers also found there was “strong support” for the community facilities and green infrastructure proposed within the development.

It’s one of the city’s most revered cultural landmarksPeterborough Museum and Art Gallery(Image: Google)One of Peterborough’s leading cultural venues has applied for a premises licence. On June 18, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery submitted an application to Peterborough City Council for permission to offer live and recorded entertainment and sell alcohol for consumption on-site.The application, which was made by Peterborough Limited, said the museum’s aim was “to provide on-site entertainment as part of our programming, including the sale of alcohol for consumption on site.”The licensable activities within the application include live music, recorded music, dance, films and plays, all of which will be offered from 10am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.In addition, the much-loved Priestgate venue also wishes to provide late-night entertainment between 8pm and midnight, Monday to Sunday. Alcohol would be available for visitors to buy for consumption on the premises from 10am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.Situated in a historic listed Georgian building right in the heart of the city centre, the Museum and Art Gallery has long been one of Peterborough’s most revered cultural landmarks.While its standard opening hours are 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, the venue regularly runs out-of-hours events as part of its ongoing commitment to offer a broad range of diverse events and activities to the general public.”We run a variety of out-of-hours events throughout the year,” the applicant noted, “these range from tickets, invite-only and venue hire.”A successful application would see the museum put on film screenings, theatrical productions, music performances, exhibition lectures and talks, candlelit tours, and museum tours, as well as tantalising “other evening events,” such as fright night paranormal investigations.Anyone wishing to have their say on this application has until Thursday, July 16 to make representations to Peterborough City Council’s Licensing Section at Sand Martin House.

The new primary school is planned to accommodate up to 420 pupilsPart of the land along West Row Road in Mildenhall (stock)(Image: Google)Plans to build up to 1,000 homes and a new primary school for over 400 pupils on the Cambridgeshire border have been approved. Suffolk County Council proposed plans to build the 1,000 homes and primary school on land West Of Mildenhall West Row Road, Mildenhall.The plans also propose up to 80 bed care units, five hectares of commercial space, a new local centre, two early years facilities and a public open space. The plans, first submitted in January 2024, were proposed to “create a new sense of arrival to Mildenhall” and also “seamlessly integrate with urban fabric and create locally distinctive sense of place”.The hybrid planning application has now been approved by West Suffolk Council. The 1,000 homes will be a mix of two-bed three storey flats, two-bed terrace houses, three-bed semi-detached homes and four-bed detached homes.The primary school will accommodate up to 420 pupils, while a pre-school will be big enough for up to 60 children. The school is likely to open in three phases before it reaches full capacity.The employment land will be set out over five hectares, including 20,000 sqm of employment floorspace. The landscaping and open space “plays a key role in tying the site together, and forging connections with the existing town”, as stated in the plans.The open space is set to have a “strong identity”, as well as be “attractive to people as it is to wildlife”. A new entrance will also be created under the plans.Named the “western gateway”, a new entrance will be created on West Row Road. This will provide the access roundabout and create the setting for Primary Street.Despite approval, the plans did receive a number of objections. A resident in West Row said they objected on “several grounds”.They said that the existing infrastructure, including schools and doctors, could not “support the population increase”. They were also concerned about the roads.They added: “The roads are standard for the area and population; narrow country roads. They are not suitable for a significant increase of population or for the impact of massive building works.”Another resident in Miles Hawn Way objected as they said their property would be affected by the development. They said: “This will affect the value of my property. The noise and the dust from the build will be very stressful.”They also raised concerns about the infrastructure, stating that the town centre was already “struggling”. Another resident in Neve Gardens said the extra traffic would “put a strain on an already near gridlocked area”.

Letters to the Editor

The leaf debate
I read with great interest but no real surprise the letter from Kelvin Dunn in the Cambridge News (July 2).  We reside in a leafy cul de sac near Cambridge High School and I along with many other residents undertake similar work at this time of the year to attempt to keep the leaf problem at bay.
A simple hazard identification may include slips, trips and falls on mouldy wet leaves, blocked storm water drains that may potentially flood properties not to mention the aesthetic depreciation of properties.
Sadly, residents who undertake these clean up tasks are not paid rates. To our knowledge we have had a sweeper truck visit once this year and the result was a residual reminder of how difficult a task collecting up the leaves is. So no real joy there.
We are constantly reminded through Antenno about upcoming Waipā rates for payment and the unspeakable things that can happen when not paid on time. This only leaves me to ponder the fall in popularity for council and the overall management of an ongoing issue that intensifies with natural growth.
Beyond beleaf really.
David Johnston
Cambridge
Letters to Editor. Photo: Pixabay

Rural firefighting remains one of the service’s biggest challenges, particularly when it comes to securing a reliable water supply.To help tackle this, every fire engine in Cambridgeshire has been fitted with a purpose-built coupling to connect to farm water supplies, the service said.Watch Commander Joe Gacon said: “A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business.”We do tend to see an increase in fire-related callouts during periods of warm weather, which can result in crews spending significant time at incidents that could be avoided.”There are things farmers and residents can do to help prevent these fires from happening. Those with children can speak with them and ensure they know the risks and dangers of fire, especially with the school summer holiday period not far away.”The fire service has published a detailed guidance, external for farmers on preventing fires and staying safe during the hot weather.Do you have a story suggestion for Peterborough? Contact us below.

Anglian Water has said it cannot rule out a hosepipe ban this summer as Cambridgeshire faces another heatwave, but readers say fixing leaks should come firstDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers18:00, 07 Jul 2026Locals say that if the leaks were fixed then there wouldn’t be water shortages(Image: Getty Images)The prospect of yet another heatwave has prompted Anglian Water to revisit its stance on whether to implement a hosepipe ban across the Eastern region. In June, the water authority released a statement confirming it had “no plans to introduce a hosepipe ban this year.”However, the latest meteorological forecasts — which indicate another prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather this July — have compelled Anglian Water to reconsider its position.Ian Rule, Anglian Water’s Director of Water Services said: “Although we’re not putting hosepipe bans in place at the moment, the situation is changing very quickly and we can’t completely rule them out for this summer.”The forthcoming hot weather will mark the third heatwave experienced this year. Anglian Water suggested heatwaves could become the ‘new normal’ as the climate crisis deepens.Mr Rule added: “Right now, we’re facing another hot spell, and we know we’re likely to see more of this weather this summer – not to mention the years to come.”Several readers argued that leaks should be addressed first. Banallbikes writes: “They should repair all the leaks and we wouldn’t be short of water.”Whynot2 comments: “As a lot of people are now on a meter, they pay for what they use, so why would they want to waste it?”Welshknight thinks: “Nationalise it and scrap the bonuses and implement a pay restraint of 80k/annum. Sort them out.”While over on our Facebook page, Wendy C comments: “If they actually got their act together and repaired the water leaks which I’ve seen several of, and 2 near to where I live, then perhaps that might just help save water.”Mark D says: “What after how much water has gone up, you must be joking, build more reservoirs with the profits.”Clare D mentions: “The water that comes out of our taps is grey water anyway, it’s full of chemicals and other nasties. Why are they not sourcing water from underground springs rather than giving us recycled water?”Darren S asks: “Why are the car washers still using tens of thousands of gallons of fresh water to wash dusty cars every day if there are shortages.”Claire P writes: “Maybe they need to start planning for the future. When was the last reservoir built? Didn’t we have a wet match? How much do the shareholders get when we have so many leaks?”Georgina C feels: “Until they fix the 6 or so leaks I drive past daily, and have for weeks/months, I doubt many will adhere to it.”De Havilland Mark believes: “Weather has nothing to do with the water shortage, stop building 1000s of new houses and no new reservoirs.”Leon E remarks: “Okay, I will put a water bill ban on then.”Do you believe that hosepipe bans are good for the environment? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary is supporting Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week 2026, which ran from June 29 to July 5, by emphasising the day-to-day work that helps communities feel safer.

Superintendent Paul Rogerson, ASB lead for the force, said: “Last week highlighted the work we do every day to tackle anti-social behaviour and support our communities.

“We are committed to listening when people contact us, responding quickly and taking the right action to resolve issues.

“By working closely with our partners and focusing on the concerns raised by residents, we can address the harm caused by ASB and help ensure people feel safe where they live.”

Led by Resolve UK and supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the awareness week aims to shine a light on the damaging effects of ASB and the efforts underway to tackle it.

Cambridgeshire officers will carry out targeted patrols, engage with residents, and work alongside partners throughout the week.

The constabulary works closely with councils, housing providers and community groups to prevent ASB, support victims and take action against repeat offenders.

Measures such as criminal behaviour orders, closure orders, and Community Protection Notices and warnings are used where appropriate.

Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston said: “We all have a right to feel safe where we live.

“Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can cause misery in our communities and while officers work hard to tackle these issues, it is a partnership approach that leads to safer and stronger communities.

“Tackling ASB remains a priority for me, and I continue to invest in our local Community Safety Partnerships who play a vital role in supporting the police to resolve the issues that matter to local residents.”

Residents are encouraged to report ASB either online at www.cambs.police.uk or by calling 101.

A parish council said the concerns are ‘being taken seriously’Cottenham in Cambridgeshire(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)Police have increased patrols in a Cambridgeshire village following several concerns that were raised regarding anti-social behaviour. Cottenham Parish Council said it is aware of “many residents” being worried about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village.It said these concerns are “being taken seriously”. Cambridgeshire Police said they are aware of recent incidents in Cottenham involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.Police were also called to reports of a quad bike and motorbike being “ridden recklessly” across a village recreation ground on Wednesday, June 3. Cottenham Parish Council previously claimed that the incident caused damage and created a “serious safety concern”.The council, who said the vehicles were being driven “recklessly”, reported the incident to the police who received “quite a few” calls about it. Officers attended but those involved had left the area, according to Cambridgeshire Police.In a new statement, Cottenham Parish Council said: “We know many residents are concerned about the recent anti-social behaviour in the village, and we’d like to reassure everyone that these concerns are being taken seriously.”The Parish Council has been in regular contact with our Neighbourhood Policing Team, and we are working closely together regarding the issues that have been reported.”A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “Anti-social behaviour is a priority for many of our neighbourhood policing teams across Cambridgeshire, and we know it’s something residents want us to focus on.”While we don’t believe Cottenham has higher levels of anti-social behaviour than similar villages, we are aware of a small number of recent reports involving damage to local facilities, including the cricket club, play equipment and a shed.”The police force and parish council has urged anyone who experiences anti-social behaviour to report it to Cambridgeshire Police by calling 101 or reporting it online. Cottenham Parish Council added: “Every report helps to build a clearer picture and supports any action that may be taken.”

The plans were submitted to the council in June 2026Plans have been submitted to convert Blenheim Court in Peterborough into apartments(Image: Google Maps)Plans could see an office building in a Cambridgeshire city converted into apartments, if approved. A proposal has been submitted to Peterborough City Council requesting permission to convert Blenheim Court in Peppercorn Close, Peterborough.The plans would see the building become 20 apartments made up of 10 studios and 10 one-bedroom apartments. The change of use application, if approved, would turn the building from commercial use to residential use.The proposal was submitted by applicant Shaz Nawaz last month. The application states: “The project is the change of use from commercial office space to residential dwelling houses (apartments). The site comprises of two office units, 05 & 06 Blenheim Court.”Each unit will have 10 individual self contained apartments (5 studios and 5 one bed apartments), total 20 apartments across both office units.”The site offers vehicle access and 20 parking spaces split evenly between the two sites, which the applicant said is “enough to cover the proposed 20 residential units”. The site lies within flood zone one, the lowest level and so has no known flood risks, the applicant claims.The site is located nearby to amenities such as Maskew Retail Park and Boulevard Retail Park and a range of restaurants including Subway and The Lounge. Queensgate Shopping Centre is also just a short drive away.The city council will now consider whether the plans can be approved.