A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, while police later arrested a 28-year-old man in South Yorkshire.
Key facts
- A 26-year-old man arrested Friday afternoon has been released and is no longer part of the investigation.
- Devon and Cornwall police announced the release early on Saturday.
- A 28-year-old white British national was later arrested at an address in South Yorkshire on Saturday evening.
- Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her Devon home on Thursday.
- Police are working on the assumption she was attacked the day before her body was found.
A 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation, Devon and Cornwall police said early on Saturday, according to the Guardian.
In a statement, the force’s assistant chief constable, Matt Longman, said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.” The Guardian reported that the man had been arrested on Friday afternoon.
Police said officers were carrying out “numerous inquiries” as the investigation continued, with the 26-year-old no longer among those being examined in connection with the case.
Later on Saturday, a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, police said. According to the Guardian, the suspect, described as a white British national, was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area on Saturday evening and remained in police custody.
Widdecombe, the former politician, was found dead at her Devon home on Thursday. The Guardian reported that police were working on the assumption she was attacked the day before her body was found.
The developments mark a significant shift in the inquiry within a single day, moving from the release of an initial suspect to a fresh arrest in a different part of the country.
Why it matters
The killing of a well-known former MP and the rapid changes in who police consider a suspect have drawn national attention. The case underscores how murder investigations can evolve quickly as evidence is examined and new leads emerge.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the 26-year-old man released?
Devon and Cornwall police said the 26-year-old is no longer part of the investigation. The force did not provide further detail beyond stating its priority remains identifying those responsible and examining all available evidence.
Where was the second suspect arrested?
According to the Guardian, the 28-year-old man, a white British national, was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area on Saturday evening and is in police custody.
When and where was Ann Widdecombe found?
She was found dead at her Devon home on Thursday. Police are working on the assumption she was attacked the day before her body was found.