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Police continue to question murder suspect over Ann Widdecombe death

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Police are continuing to question a man over the suspected murder of Ann Widdecombe.

The former Conservative minister and later Reform UK spokeswoman was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening, and is understood to remain in police custody.

On Sunday, there was a substantial police presence at a house in Byrley Road in the Kimberworth Park area of Rotherham – an address linked to the suspect and more than 200 miles from the former minister’s home in Devon.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said on Sunday the force is not looking for any other suspects.

He 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.”

Reform UK MPs Danny Kruger and Lee Anderson, home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf, and deputy leader Richard Tice paid their respects to Miss Widdecombe (Eleanor Storey/PA)

He said detectives “remain open-minded about the potential motive” and stressed it is not believed there is any threat to the wider public.

He added: “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.”

Ann Widdecombe
Ann Widdecombe was a high profile figure in British politics, appearing on Strictly and Celebrity Big Brother (Ben Birchall/PA)

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after 9pm on Saturday on suspicion of the murder of Widdecombe.

Devon and Cornwall Police said previously it is believed Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.

Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.

She also found fame outside politics after starring in Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖

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