Armed police arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham on Saturday night in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The suspect was taken into custody after officers hammered on his door at a terraced house nearly 300 miles from Widdecombe's Dartmoor cottage, where she was found dead on Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the force remains open-minded about the motive but stressed there is no evidence of terrorism or political motivation.
Neighbours describe arrest
Courtney Foster, 25, who lives nearby, told The Daily Mail: 'We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. Some were armed. Then they banged on the door very loudly. They didn't smash the door down because he opened it. They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away.'
Her partner Rayed Astle, 26, said the suspect had become reclusive since his father died last December. 'He was someone you'd have a conversation with but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn't really speak to anyone,' Astle said.
Foster added: 'He was always in the house and I don't think he worked. His father died before Christmas and I think it affected him. He seemed to change because he became even more introverted. You would barely see him – to the point where you'd presume the house was unoccupied. Now and again you'd see the upstairs light on but that was it.'
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'The police came at about 9.10pm. There were about a dozen officers armed with guns, both in the front garden and the back garden. It was quite quiet, really. There was no commotion. Everyone was watching the England game, so I think the whole thing passed people by. It was very quiet how they turned up. There were no lights, no noise – our Ring doorbell didn't even go off.'
Investigation details
Widdecombe, 78, was found with fatal injuries at her remote Dartmoor home on Thursday after she stopped answering text messages and missed a scheduled interview. Police believe the attack occurred on Wednesday, July 8, at around 12:30pm. ITV News reported that Widdecombe stopped responding to WhatsApp messages from a TV producer after that time.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: '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 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.'
Political reaction and tributes
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the village to pay tribute to Widdecombe, telling reporters the party has been reviewing emails for patterns of abuse but found nothing. Reform's MPs are now receiving 24-hour security protection following her death, according to reports.
A group of around 40 mourners, including senior Reform figures, gathered in Haytor Vale on Sunday afternoon. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he last spoke to Widdecombe on Monday and 'nearly fell over with shock and horror' when he heard of her death. He told the crowd: 'We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime. Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was treasured by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.'
Widdecombe was first elected as a Conservative MP in 1987, later served as an MEP for the Brexit Party and a spokeswoman for Reform UK. She also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother.
