Edwina Currie has stated “God help us all”, after a murder investigation was launched into the death of her former Oxford neighbour Ann Widdecombe.

The 78-year-old, who once served as a Conservative prisons minister, later sat in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party before going on to become a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

Before her frontline political career, she studied Latin at Birmingham University, then moved on to philosophy, politics and economics at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, where she became active in the Oxford Union.

Police confirmed that officers are currently searching for a white male suspect believed to be responsible.

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched into death of Ann Widdecombe

Edwina Currie. (Image: Tony Iley)

Edwina Currie, a former Tory minister, began her Westminster career at the same time as Ms Widdecombe, with both later serving in junior roles under John Major’s premiership.

As young women at Oxford, the pair occupied neighbouring rooms in student accommodation, building a friendship that endured well beyond their days at Lady Margaret Hall and into their political careers.

Responding to the launch of the murder inquiry, Ms Currie told followers on social media platform X that she was “full of horror” over the events.

She said: “A frail 78-year-old lady, and they’re looking for a white male. God help us all.”

Ms Widdecombe, who appeared on Talk radio on Wednesday, lived in Haytor, near Newton Abbott in Devon.

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Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Miss Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector 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.”

The Home Secretary urged the public not to speculate, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing”.

READ MORE: King Charles visits Oxford University college amid 700th anniversary

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.”

Miss Widdecombe’s management firm Cloud 9 urged people with information to contact the police and said: “We are absolutely devastated by this news following a very traumatic and upsetting 24 hours.”

Dean, whose surname has not been released by Thames Valley Police, was last seen in the Cowley area of the city on Wednesday (July 1).

He is now believed to be in the central Oxford area, according to officers working the case.

READ MORE: Police ‘concerned’ as 14-year-old Oxfordshire schoolgirl disappears

The 38-year-old is described as a white male, 5’9″ of stocky build with brown hair. Dean has tattoos on his neck.

An appeal was released to the public from Thames Valley Police on Friday afternoon (July 10), including a photograph of the missing man.

The accompanying statement said: “Have you seen Dean?

“We are concerned for the well-being of Dean, so if you have any relevant information or have seen him, please call us on 101, referencing 43260342263.”

Harwell Science and Innovation Campus is the UK’s largest space cluster, and the gateway will be a dedicated hub for the space and defence sectors, driving national and global collaboration between government, the academic world, and industry.

It will focus on linking innovation to investment, building partnerships to shape tomorrow’s space and defence economy, and helping businesses to sustainably start and grow in the UK.

READ MORE: The King visits Oxford University college

The gateway will be based in a new co-working and events space at the heart of the Harwell Space Cluster.

Following the launch, King Charles said to staff based at the campus: “I congratulate you for all your efforts and look forward to seeing all the developments that take place here over the years.”

Among the guests at the campus for the launch was British astronaut Tim Peake, who has visited the International Space Station.

British astronaut Tim Peake with King Charles (Image: Andy Ffrench)

For more than 60 years RAL (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory) Space has provided the specialist expertise that underpins space applications around the world, including earth observation work that supports action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and resilience to environmental change.

It has contributed to more than 200 instruments in space and has played a key role in establishing the UK as a competitive force in the global space economy.

King Charles at Harwell science and innovation campus (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Space minister Liz Lloyd, who attended the visit, said: “The opening of the Space and Defence Gateway is a significant moment for the UK’s space sector, and His Majesty The King’s visit to Harwell underlines the vital contribution this cluster makes to our economy.”

RAL Space is one of the anchor organisations of the Harwell Space Cluster and a cornerstone of the UK’s space sector.

British astronaut Tim Peake with European Space Agency astronauts and space minister Liz Lloyd (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The cluster is Europe’s largest concentration of space organisations, supporting more than 120 public and private organisations, alongside more than 330 defence and security organisations.

Dr Barbara Ghinelli, director of Innovation Clusters and Harwell Campus, said: “I look forward to working alongside our partners in the gateway across the UK and internationally to help our businesses thrive while making a real difference to the world.”

Earlier in the day, the King was in Oxford, visiting the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, and Oriel College, which is celebrating its 700th anniversary.