Police and sniffer dogs deployed at Ann Widdecombe's private funeral

A private requiem mass for Ann Widdecombe took place at Buckfast Abbey in Devon on 12 August. Police officers and sniffer dogs patrolled the abbey grounds — an unusual step at a UK funeral. The former Conservative minister and Brexit Party MEP died aged 78 on 8 July 2026 after a hammer attack. Abbot David Charlesworth celebrated the 90-minute mass. A public memorial is due later this year.