A 26-YEAR-OLD white British man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe.
Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman made the announcement at a press conference on Friday evening.
Widdecombe's death is not being treated as terror-related, Longman said. He also revealed that police have seen no evidence to indicate the crime was politically motivated.
Longman told reporters at a press conference: “A 26-year-old man was arrested in Newton Abbot this afternoon on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, remains in police custody while inquiries continue.”
He went on: “Detectives from the force major crime investigation team have launched a murder investigation, and are conducting extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Ms Widdecombe’s death.
“While we work closely with our partners and consulted counter-terrorism policing as part of our initial inquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
“A cordon remains in place at the property, while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene, and the public will see significant police activity in the area while detectives and other officers continue house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
“This is an extremely tragic incident. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdicombe in this very difficult time.”
Asked by reporters whether the ex-Tory prisons minister’s death was politically-motivated, Longman told a press conference: “No, at this time, again it’s early stages of the investigation, so we remain open-minded at this time.
“I’ve got no information to believe that that is a politically motivated crime.”
He also said it was too early to comment when asked if the suspect was known to Widdecombe.
“We remain open-minded throughout the investigation, and we’re making those inquiries,” said Longman.
“It’s too early for me to comment further on that at this time.”
Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to an address in Haytor at 11.40am on Thursday and found Widdecombe dead, having sustained serious injuries.
Widdecombe, who was 78, had recently been a Brexit Party MEP and subsequently a Reform UK spokeswoman.
