Police issue major CCTV update on Ann Widdecombe murder | UK | News
Police have explained why they have not released CCTV footage of the prime suspect as they continue to investigate Ann Widdecombe’s murder. Devon and Cornwall Police said today (Saturday) that they believe Ms Widdecombe was attacked at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.
Police believe she was killed by a caregiver about 24 hours before she was found dead in her home on Thursday. Police said they were looking for a “white male” but did not release any photos or video footage to assist in the search.
Announcing the decision, Deputy Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the local community and those who have come forward with their information so far. “We are working rapidly on this investigation.
“Officers are making progress and continuing a number of investigations. At this time, we have taken the active decision not to release any further information, including descriptions of potential suspects or CCTV footage.”
“Premature disclosure of such information could compromise ongoing investigations and harm future investigative opportunities.”
The decision not to release further details was taken on an “operational basis”, he said, adding that police would make the information public when “appropriate and necessary”.
He added: “I would once again ask the public to please do not speculate on social media. If you have any relevant information and have not already reported it, please do so via the public portal to the major incident. Our thoughts are with Ann Widdecombe’s family and friends at this sad time. They continue to be supported by specialist officers.”
The 26-year-old white British man, who was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday on suspicion of the murder of Miss Widdecombe, was released from custody on Saturday.
Devon and Cornwall Police previously said his death was “not being treated as terrorism” and that there was currently “no information” to suggest it was a “politically motivated offence”.
On Saturday, British leader Nigel Farage visited the village to pay his respects to Ms Widdecombe. He told reporters his political party had reviewed Ms Widdecombe’s emails to check for patterns of harassment but found nothing.
In a statement on social media, Mr Farage said the former MP and MP’s death and the subsequent police murder investigation were a “horrible reflection on modern Britain”.
In a video statement posted on social media, he added: “And I’m afraid things have become even more dangerous today for everyone in public life, especially in the political sphere.”
