Police and sniffer dogs at Ann Widdecombe's private funeral

A private requiem mass for Ann Widdecombe was held at Buckfast Abbey, Devon, on 12 August. Police and sniffer dogs patrolled the 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 mass. A public memorial is due later this year.