London, July 12, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Police investigating the alleged murder of former British and EU lawmaker Ann Widdecombe, have said they “are not looking for anyone else” after a 28-year-old man was arrested.
The former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokeswoman, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday morning, after sustaining serious injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said a 28-year-old white British man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9 pm (2000 GMT) on Saturday. He told reporters on Sunday: “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 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.”
Devon and Cornwall Police said previously, it is believed Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12:30 pm. Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected a Conservative lawmaker in Kent in 1987, went on to serve as an EU lawmaker for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for the right-wing populist Reform UK.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in television competitions “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Big Brother.”
Speaking on Sunday, Chief Constable James Vaughan, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said 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,” he added. “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.”
Widdecombe’s personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, lay flowers in front of her home on Saturday. Speaking to reporters, Horrell said the politician “never mentioned any fear” for her safety and loved living in Haytor.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also visited the village to pay tribute to Widdecombe on Saturday. He told reporters that the party has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything.
Reform’s lawmakers are now being given 24-hour security protection following her death, it has been reported. ITV News has published a series of WhatsApp images which appear to show that Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer after the approximate time police believe the attack took place on Wednesday.
GNA