Man arrested on suspicion of murder of Ann Widdecombe, police say
A 28-year-old man was arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe’s murder, police said.
In the statement made by Devon and Cornwall police, it was said: “The suspect, a white British national, is currently in police custody.”
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister and Reform UK spokesman, was found seriously injured at his home in Haytor, Devon, at 11:40am on Thursday. Police believe he was attacked almost 24 hours ago.
A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder before being released on Saturday.
Police said the latest arrest took place at an address in South Yorkshire, about 270 miles (430 km) from Widdecombe’s Devon property.
The latest statement reads: “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Police, North East and South Yorkshire Police, who made the arrest on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police.
“There is currently no information to suggest this is a terrorism-related incident and as a force we remain a priority for the investigation.”
“This is a live and active investigation and no further information will be released tonight.”
“Ms Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.”
There remained a significant police presence in the area on Saturday, while forensic officers were seen arriving at the facility.
Deputy Chief Constable Matt Longman said in a statement on Saturday that the priority “is to identify those responsible and ensure a thorough review of all available evidence.”
Widdecombe’s political career spanned several decades, and he served as the Tory MP for Maidstone in Kent from 1987 to 2010.
Following his departure from the House of Commons, Widdecombe appeared on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 and came second on Celebrity Big Brother eight years later.
He joined the Brexit Party in 2019 and represented South West England as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2019 to 2020.
He became a member of Reform UK in 2023 and became the party’s Immigration and Justice spokesperson.
