Public anger has exploded after Scottish police launched an official investigation into a University of Aberdeen web developer over online comments allegedly made following Ann Widdecombe’s tragic death

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A SCOTTISH uni is probing an employee and prominent trans activist who said she hoped ‘murdered’ politician Ann Widdecombe “died a painful death” while “handcuffed to a bed”.

The ex-Conservative minister and TV star, 78, is feared to have been brutally bludgeoned to death in her Dartmoor home on Wednesday.

Ann Widdecombe sitting at a desk with papers and books, with a bookshelf filled with books behind her.

Ann Widdecombe is feared to have been murdered at her Dartmoor home Credit: Alamy

A smiling woman in a red coat stands in front of a large stone building with gothic spires and a statue of a horse.

Heather Herbert said they hoped the ex-minister died a “painful” death Credit: Facebook/Heather Herbert

A murder investigation has since been launched, with cops fearing the Reform UK spokesperson was killed in a burglary gone wrong.

But in the hours after Ann Widdecombe’s death was announced, activist Heather Herbert – who has stood for election for both Labour and the Scottish Greens – posted sick messages celebrating it.

The twisted posts on Herbert’s BlueSky account read: “Some good news for once.

“I hope it was an extremely painful death.”

Ann Widdecombe preparing for her new role as radio presenter on London's Biggest Conversation.

It is feared Ann was murdered during a burglary gone wrong Credit: PA

Ann Widdecombe, MEP for South West England, holding up her identification badge at the European Parliament.

She was found dead at her home by her carer Credit: PA

Ann Widdecombe, a Brexit Party candidate, speaking at a campaign event.

A murder probe is underway into Ann’s death Credit: EPA

A woman in a red coat stands in front of a building entrance with steps.

Herbert made the comments before cops announced Ann’s death Credit: Facebook/Heather Herbert

They added: “I hope she was handcuffed to the bed as she screamed in agony.”

The sick posts were made before cops officially confirmed they were treating her death as murder.

Aberdeen University, where Herbert works as a web developer, are now looking into the comments.

A spokesperson told The Press and Journal: “We are aware of the comments being referred to online and are looking into the matter.”

Wednesday

8.05am Ms Widdecombe is interviewed on TalkTV.

12.19pm Ms Widdecombe’s last message to someone from Matt Allwright’s Channel 5 show about a video interview that afternoon.

12.30pm The time police have given for her alleged murder.

12.48pm The researcher messages Ms Widdecombe again with a Zoom link for the interview but has no response.

Thursday

11.40am Devon and Cornwall Police arrive to the house after being called by the ambulance service and find Ms Widdecombe’s body.

Friday afternoon

Cops arrest a 26-year-old white British man on suspicion of murder.

Saturday morning

The force announce that the suspect has been released and is no longer a part of the murder investigation

Herbert was immediately called out for the callous reaction, with one person replying: “I was never a fan of the woman and I certainly didn’t agree with her politics, but saying that about a fellow human is awful. There’s enough hatred in this world.”

But the activist and former candidate defended their comments to Aberdeen’s uni newspaper, The Gaudie, responding: “I don’t want to see anyone murdered, but I’m still glad she is dead.

“I’m not a hypocrite. I posted that before the murder investigation was launched.

“I’m a nobody. I have no power to do anything. Ann Widdecombe was able to and made the lives of ordinary people hell.”

It comes as:

  • Nigel Farage believes killing was ‘premediated murder’ as car spotted in driveway before death
  • Cops believe Ann died 24 hours before she was found by her carer
  • Iain Dale pens touching tribute to ‘good friend’ Ann Widdecombe and hopes her killer rots in hell
  • Ann failed to make a TV appearance the day before she was found dead
  • Ann’s Strictly partner Anton Du Beke breaks his silence on her death

They added: “Nobody appears to care – I also celebrated the death of the leader of Iran.”

Tributes have poured in from across the political divide for Ann Widdecombe, who has been remembered as a unique force of nature.

Cops had initially arrested a 26-year-old man as part of their probe but he was released this morning and is no longer part of the investigation into her death.

Officers are still hunting a white male suspect believed to have been captured on CCTV.