Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of former Conservative MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday. The suspect is believed to have driven approximately 270 miles from Rotherham to Devon on the day of the killing, according to reports.
Arrest and Investigation
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest was made last night (Saturday) at 9pm by officers from Counter Terrorism Police North East and South Yorkshire Police, acting on behalf of the force. The suspect, described as a white male aged 28, was taken into custody in Rotherham, which is around a four-hour drive from Widdecombe's home.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that officers remain "open-minded" about a potential motive but stressed there is no threat to the wider public. He also confirmed there is no information to suggest the attack was terrorism-related.
CCTV and Neighbor Accounts
The Sun reports that CCTV footage appears to show a young man leaving an address in Rotherham around 7am on Wednesday, the day Widdecombe was last seen alive. Forensic officers were observed at a terraced house in Rotherham on Sunday, with a cordon in place and several marked police vehicles present.
Neighbor Courtney Foster told the paper the arrest was "really loud" and added, "They took his dog as well." The Telegraph spoke to other neighbors who reported seeing the man placing "some kind of wooden stick" into the passenger side of a red car before leaving.
Police Appeal
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead on Thursday with serious injuries, believed to have been attacked almost 24 hours earlier. Longman called for anyone with information who has not yet come forward to do so "as a priority" and reiterated appeals to avoid speculation, especially regarding a potential motive.
