Detectives investigating the death of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe have stated they are not seeking any other suspects following a second arrest. They have also confirmed that the attack is not believed to have been politically motivated.
A press conference was held at Devon and Cornwall Police headquarters in Exeter on Sunday, where Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman provided an update on the investigation. Miss Widdecombe, 78, was found dead in a pool of blood in the kitchen of her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on July 9, having suffered serious injuries consistent with being repeatedly struck with a blunt object, according to the Daily Star.
Arrest Made in South Yorkshire
A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody and has not yet been named. The arrest was carried out with support from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police.
Earlier, a 26-year-old man initially arrested in connection with the death was released without charge and is no longer part of the investigation.
Police Reassure Public
Assistant Chief Constable Longman urged the public not to speculate, stating, "At this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder." He added that there is no evidence to suggest a wider threat to the public, though a heightened police presence will remain in the local community for reassurance.
Longman also said, "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."
Timeline of Events
Miss Widdecombe last sent a message at 12:19pm on Wednesday, July 8, acknowledging a Zoom link for an appearance on Channel 5's Matt Allwright show. When she failed to appear, the production team contacted her representative. Police believe she was attacked at around 12:30pm that day, nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered.
Her personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, laid flowers at her home on Saturday and said she "never mentioned any fear" for her safety and loved living in Haytor.
Tributes and Security Measures
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the village to pay tribute on Saturday, laying a wreath near her home. He stated that the party had reviewed emails for patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe but found nothing. Following her death, Reform UK MPs are reportedly receiving 24-hour security protection.
Miss Widdecombe served as a Conservative MP from 1987 to 2010, held ministerial roles under Sir John Major, and later became an MEP for the Brexit Party. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2010.
