Armed police arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Cabinet Minister Ann Widdecombe after raiding a mid-terrace house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, some 270 miles from her home in Devon. The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was led away to a police van shortly after 9pm on Saturday night.
CCTV Evidence and Forensics
Police were today examining CCTV footage that appeared to show the suspect placing a wooden stick into the back of a 'filthy' and 'moss-covered' red Vauxhall Corsa on the day Ms Widdecombe was killed. Forensics officers were seen removing items from walls inside the property and carrying large bolt-cutters inside. Detectives are holding the man in custody at an undisclosed location.
A local resident described the suspect as appearing 'calm' while being led away dressed all in black. 'He had one officer on either side holding an arm each and then they put him in the back of the marked van,' the resident said.
Arrest Details
Neighbours said around a dozen armed officers surrounded the property before knocking 'very loudly' on the front door shortly before England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway. The suspect opened the door and was quickly apprehended.
Courtney Foster, 25, who lives next door with his partner Rayed Astle, 26, said: 'We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. There were about 12 officers and quite a few cars. Some were armed. They banged on the door very loudly. They didn't smash the door down because he opened it. They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away.'
Suspect Described as Loner
Locals described the long-haired suspect as a 'loner' who had become reclusive since his father's death in December last year. Mr Foster added: 'He was someone you'd have a conversation with, but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn't really speak to anyone. He was always in the house. I don't think he worked.'
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'I was about to watch the football and I could hear a helicopter overhead and my wife shouting "look what is happening at the front of house". I saw many undercover police outside. I knew they were not neighbours coming to visit! Then on the back garden I saw two police officers with big guns on the man's neighbours garden.'
The Attack
Police said Ms Widdecombe was bludgeoned to death at 12.30pm on Wednesday in her isolated cottage on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, where she lived alone with her cat. The 78-year-old former Tory minister was killed in her £600,000 bungalow just 30 minutes before she was due to appear via video call on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. She had last messaged a producer at 12.19pm but failed to respond to a text at 12.48pm. Her body remained undiscovered for almost 24 hours until it was found in the kitchen at 11.40am on Thursday.
Investigation Update
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, leading the operation, said there is no evidence the murder was politically motivated or terrorism-related. He revealed the suspect is a white British man and that detectives are not seeking anyone else. Officers have received more than 120 reports of information from the public.
ACC Longman said: 'I would just like to thank all those who have taken the time to contribute that information and ask anyone who has not yet submitted any information that they hold to do so as a priority.' He added: 'Our thoughts remain with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.'
Motive and Speculation
The arrest came hours after Reform leader Nigel Farage claimed the crime was 'pre-meditated murder' and alleged a car had parked on Ms Widdecombe's driveway minutes before she was killed. ACC Longman said detectives 'remain open-minded about the motive' but are aware of online speculation. He urged the public not to share or engage with speculation, saying it is 'unhelpful' and 'distressing to the family and friends'.
Background and Tributes
Ms Widdecombe was a Tory MP from 1987 to 2010 for Maidstone and later Maidstone and the Weald, and served in Sir John Major's government. She defected to the Brexit Party and later became a spokesman for Mr Farage's party. A packed church service was held at Buckfast Abbey on Sunday, exactly a week after she attended a service there. Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, along with Lee Anderson, Danny Kruger, and Zia Yusuf, paid respects at a makeshift shrine near her home.
Mr Tice said: 'Ann Widdecombe was unique. She was adored by millions. She was treasured by millions, including my late mum. And she was a remarkable, remarkable figure.' He recalled her words on Graham Norton: 'Life is not a dress rehearsal. You have got to go for it.'
Devon & Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan praised the force's 'extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure'. He said: 'The operation has been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours and I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody. Well done to all. This is clearly British policing at its very best.'
