A man was captured on CCTV placing a 'wooden stick' into a vehicle outside a property linked to the suspect in the murder of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe on the morning she is believed to have been attacked, according to reports.
Arrest Made in South Yorkshire
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening. The arrest came more than 200 miles from Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Dartmoor, where she was found dead at approximately 11.40am on Thursday after suffering serious injuries.
On Sunday, a significant police presence was reported at a house in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park district of Rotherham. Forensics officers in white overalls were seen entering and exiting the property, and a red car was removed from the driveway at around 3am.
CCTV Footage Shows Suspicious Activity
CCTV footage obtained by The Telegraph appears to show a man leaving an address associated with the suspect at around 7am on Wednesday, the day Widdecombe is believed to have been attacked. The man is reported to have placed 'some kind of wooden stick' into the passenger side of a red vehicle before driving away, according to the Irish Mirror.
Residents in Byrley Road told the Press Association that police arrived at the terraced property shortly before the start of the England World Cup match on Saturday night. One neighbour said: 'It all happened just before the match. When we came home from watching it there were just two plain police cars there but everyone says there were loads more here before that.'
A woman who lives nearby added: 'Nothing happens on this street. We've been here 12 years and nothing has ever happened.' When asked about the male occupant, she revealed the rest of the family had moved out some time ago. She said: 'He's been living there on his own. We've never even seen him. We don't really know him. I don't think anybody knows him. It's so strange.'
Police Statement on Motive
On Sunday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police stated: 'At this point, 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 this murder. At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that it was politically motivated.'
He added that detectives 'remain open-minded about the potential motive' and emphasised that there is no believed threat to the wider public. He urged the public not to share speculation, saying: 'We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation – it's unhelpful, it doesn't aid our investigation, and particularly, it's distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.'
Chief Constable Praises Police Response
Chief Constable James Vaughan of Devon and Cornwall Police said the force has 'mounted an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure'. He added: 'The operation has been running at a lightning pace for 48 hours. I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody and that will undergo some further work from us today. Well done to all – this is clearly British policing at its very best.'
Widdecombe, 78, was first elected as a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, later serving as an MEP for the Brexit Party and becoming a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
