CCTV footage obtained by The Telegraph appears to show a man leaving an address linked to the suspect in the murder of Ann Widdecombe and placing a wooden stick into a car before driving away on the morning she is believed to have been attacked.
Details of the Sighting
The footage, recorded at around 7am on Wednesday, shows a man exiting the property in Byrley Road, Kimberworth Park, Rotherham, South Yorkshire. He is seen putting what appears to be a wooden stick into the passenger side of a red car before driving off. This was the same day Miss Widdecombe, 78, is believed to have been attacked at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, Devon.
Neighbours told the Press Association that police arrived at the terraced house just before the kick-off of England's World Cup match on Saturday evening. Multiple units attended, and officers removed a red car from the driveway at approximately 3am.
Police Activity in Rotherham
On Sunday evening, a South Yorkshire Police Tactical Support Group van was parked outside the house, alongside at least two other marked vehicles. Forensics officers in white overalls were seen entering and exiting the property. The house is more than 200 miles from Miss Widdecombe's home in Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed that a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in South Yorkshire on Saturday evening. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that there is no information suggesting the incident is terrorism-related, and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.
Neighbour Reactions
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 has lived on the street for 12 years commented: “Nothing happens on this street. We’ve been here 12 years and nothing has ever happened.” She added that the man living in the house had been there alone after the rest of his family moved out some time ago: “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.”
Background on Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe was a former Conservative MP for Kent, first elected in 1987, and later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also gained fame outside politics through appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. She was found dead at her home at about 11:40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries.
Police Statements
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “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 motive and that there is no believed threat to the wider public.
He urged the public not to share speculation: “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 James Vaughan of Devon and Cornwall Police praised the investigation: “The force has mounted an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure. 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.”
