Armed police arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday night on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe, 78. Neighbours described the moment officers swarmed the suspect's home and led him away in handcuffs.
Arrest Details
Courtney Foster, 25, told The Daily Mail: 'We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. Some were armed. Then 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.'
Her partner Rayed Astle, 26, said the suspect had become reclusive since his father died last December. '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.'
Foster added: 'He was always in the house and I don't think he worked. His father died before Christmas and I think it affected him. He seemed to change because he became even more introverted. You would barely see him – to the point where you'd presume the house was unoccupied. Now and again you'd see the upstairs light on but that was it.'
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'The police came at about 9.10pm. There were about a dozen officers armed with guns, both in the front garden and the back garden. It was quite quiet, really. There was no commotion. Everyone was watching the England game, so I think the whole thing passed people by.'
Investigation Update
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said the 28-year-old white British man was arrested with the support of Counter Terrorism Police. He told reporters: '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.'
Detectives remain 'open-minded about the potential motive' and stressed there is no threat to the wider public.
Widdecombe's Death
Miss Widdecombe was found dead at her remote Dartmoor home on Thursday, July 9, after she stopped answering text messages and missed a scheduled interview. Police believe the attack took place on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12:30pm. She had sustained serious injuries.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the village to pay tribute and said the party has been checking emails for patterns of abuse but found nothing. Reform's MPs are now receiving 24-hour security protection.
A group of around 40 mourners, including senior Reform figures, gathered in Haytor Vale on Sunday afternoon. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice told the crowd: 'We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime. Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was treasured by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.'
Timeline
Ann Widdecombe's death was announced by her management on Friday, July 10. A murder probe was launched after her body was found 'covered in blood from sustaining a serious head wound'. A 26-year-old man was arrested on Friday but released on Saturday morning and is no longer part of the investigation. The 28-year-old suspect arrested in Rotherham remains in custody.
Police urge the public not to share speculation, which is 'unhelpful' and 'distressing' to the family.
