Police investigating the murder of former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe have stated they are not looking for any other suspects following the arrest of a 28-year-old man. The suspect, described as a white British man, was taken into custody in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with the assistance of Counter Terrorism Police shortly after 9pm on Saturday.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that the man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He told reporters on Sunday: “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.” Longman added that there is no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated, though detectives remain open-minded about the motive.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at approximately 11:40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Police believe she was attacked on Wednesday at around 12:30pm. A 26-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday has been released and is no longer part of the investigation.
Public Appeal and Context
Longman urged the public to refrain from online speculation, stating: “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.” He stressed that there is no believed threat to the wider public.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP for Maidstone and the Weald from 1987 to 2010, later served as a Brexit Party MEP for South West England from 2019 to 2020 and was a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also appeared on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commented on Friday: “I think this is really important that this is a moment where we rise above any political differences, the political divide. The single most important thing at the moment is that all of us and the public help the police identify the individual suspected and make sure he’s arrested as quickly as possible.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also urged the public to avoid speculation, describing the circumstances as “extremely distressing.” Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Haytor is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.
