UK police have launched a murder investigation after the death of former minister Ann Widdecombe.The 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Dartmoor at around midday on Thursday, local time, having sustained serious injuries. The former Conservative politician and prisons minister found fame after leaving Parliament as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. She later joined the Brexit Party and became a spokeswoman for the anti-immigration Reform UK party."Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace," Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement."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.""A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations," the statement added.Britain's Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of Ms Widdecombe's death. "The circumstances of her death are extremely distressing and my thoughts are with Ann's family and loved ones," she said."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." ABC/Wires