Police investigating the alleged murder of former MP and MEP 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 at about 11.40am on Thursday 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 9pm on Saturday with the support of Counter Terrorism Police.
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 Miss Widdecombe was attacked on Wednesday at about 12.30pm.
Miss Widdecombe, who was 78, was first elected a Conservative MP in Kent in 1987, went on to serve as an MEP for the Brexit Party and then a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
She also found fame outside politics after starring in 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.”
Miss Widdecombe’s personal driver of 10 years, Peter Horrell, lay flowers in front of her home on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters, Mr 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 Miss Widdecombe on Saturday.
He told reporters that the party has been going through its emails to check for patterns of abuse directed at Miss Widdecombe, but has not been able to find anything.
Reform’s MPs 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 Miss Widdecombe stopped responding to messages from a TV producer after the approximate time police believe the attack took place on Wednesday.
A group of around 40 mourners, including senior Reform figures, gathered in Haytor Vale to pay tribute to Miss Widdecombe on Sunday afternoon.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice told reporters he last spoke to Miss Widdecombe on Monday and said he “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.”
In a statement, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez, said it has been a “very unsettling time” for the local community.
“I hope people will feel reassured there has been major progress in the apprehension of a suspect,” she added.
She told reporters: “One of the lines that the police are always saying is ‘don’t speculate’ – my view is everyone is going to speculate, but just do it in the safety of your own home or down the pub.
“Please don’t do it online and make it publicly accessible, because those are the things that are actually causing upset to people who are deeply affected by it.”
CCTV footage seen by The Telegraph appears to show a man leaving an address linked to the suspect at around 7am on Wednesday, the newspaper reported.
The man was seen putting “some kind of wooden stick” into the passenger side of a red car before driving off, neighbours said.
