Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death as they continue to question a 28-year-old British man.
Devon and Cornwall Police have said the suspect, who is a white British national arrested in South Yorkshire, is in police custody and there is nothing to suggest her killing was politically motivated.
The former Tory minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.
The force said on Saturday they believed Ms Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm, minutes after she sent a message to a Channel 5 producer over a scheduled remote appearance on Channel 5‘s Matt Allwright show. They have since arrested a 28-year-old British national at an address in the South Yorkshire area on suspicion of her murder.
Matt Longman, assistant chief constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, spoke in a press conference after 11.30am on Sunday to share an update on the murder investigation and suspect arrested in connection with her death.
The police statement on Ann Widdecombe’s murder investigation in full:
Our investigation into the death of 78-year-old Ann Widdecombe has continued to develop over the past 24 hours.
Shortly after 9pm on Saturday 11 July, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of the murder of Miss Widdecombe.
We were supported by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police.
Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of the update and continue to be supported by specialist officers. Our thoughts remain with her friends and family at what is a very difficult time.
At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident. And at this point we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder. We retain primacy of this investigation and Detectives remain open minded about any potential motive, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.
A cordon is still in place as officers continue enquiries at the scene, and we anticipate this will be the case for the next few days. The local community can also expect to see a heightened police presence in the coming weeks to provide reassurance – however I wish to reassure you that we do not have any information to suggest there is any wider threat to the public.
We are grateful to our colleagues in South Yorkshire and they will continue to support us as our investigation continues.
Over the past few days, we have received in excess of 120 reports of information into our Major Incident Public Portal. We thank those who have reported their information to us and ask anyone who has not yet submitted relevant information to us, to do so as a priority.
We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regard to motive – again I urge people not to share or engage with speculation. It is unhelpful and distressing to Miss Widdecombe’s friends and family and potentially harmful to our investigation.
We understand that there is a huge appetite for information – but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount. We recognise that there is still some way to go in this case and the release of any information will continue to be a decision made on an operational basis.
I would like to thank local communities, the wider public and the media for their ongoing support and patience, and would ask them to continue to support us in the next stage of our investigation.
Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via the Major Incident Public Portal. Please follow the link to the public portal or scan the QR code.
Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
