26-year-old arrested for murder of former UK minister Ann Widdecombe
Calling the death "really shocking news", Keir Starmer appealed for public help in identifying the suspect. Widdecombe, a prominent Brexiteer, served as an MP before later returning to politics with pro-Brexit parties.
British police on Friday arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, in a major breakthrough in the investigation into her death, news agency Reuters reported. Authorities said the suspect remains in custody while detectives continue their inquiries, adding that the case is not being treated as terrorism or a politically motivated attack.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest hours after launching a murder investigation into Widdecombe's death at her home near Haytor Vale on Dartmoor in south-west England. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators believe the incident was isolated and sought to reassure the public.
"The suspect remains in police custody. At this stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism or politically motivated," Longman said, according to Reuters.
Earlier in the day, police had appealed for public assistance to identify a suspect after Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her remote rural home on Thursday. Detectives from the force's Major Crime Investigation Team said they were carrying out extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Before the arrest was announced, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the killing as "really shocking news" and urged the public to cooperate with investigators.
"Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements and it's a huge loss," Starmer said from 10 Downing Street. "This is a moment where we rise above any political differences... and help the police identify the individual responsible and ensure justice is served."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also expressed condolences to Widdecombe's family, describing her as a dedicated public servant. She said the Home Office stood ready to provide any assistance required by Devon and Cornwall Police and urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continued.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for several years and held ministerial office before leaving frontline politics. A prominent supporter of Brexit, she later joined the Brexit Party to campaign for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage-led Reform UK, where she served for a period as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following news of her death. Former prime minister Boris Johnson remembered her as a "heroic Brexiteer", while leaders from different parties praised her long career in public service.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and appealed for anyone with information that could assist detectives to come forward.
British police on Friday arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, 78, in a major breakthrough in the investigation into her death, news agency Reuters reported. Authorities said the suspect remains in custody while detectives continue their inquiries, adding that the case is not being treated as terrorism or a politically motivated attack.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the arrest hours after launching a murder investigation into Widdecombe's death at her home near Haytor Vale on Dartmoor in south-west England. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators believe the incident was isolated and sought to reassure the public.
"The suspect remains in police custody. At this stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism or politically motivated," Longman said, according to Reuters.
Earlier in the day, police had appealed for public assistance to identify a suspect after Widdecombe was found dead with serious injuries at her remote rural home on Thursday. Detectives from the force's Major Crime Investigation Team said they were carrying out extensive inquiries into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Before the arrest was announced, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the killing as "really shocking news" and urged the public to cooperate with investigators.
"Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements and it's a huge loss," Starmer said from 10 Downing Street. "This is a moment where we rise above any political differences... and help the police identify the individual responsible and ensure justice is served."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also expressed condolences to Widdecombe's family, describing her as a dedicated public servant. She said the Home Office stood ready to provide any assistance required by Devon and Cornwall Police and urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continued.
Widdecombe served as a Conservative Member of Parliament for several years and held ministerial office before leaving frontline politics. A prominent supporter of Brexit, she later joined the Brexit Party to campaign for Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. In 2023, she joined Nigel Farage-led Reform UK, where she served for a period as the party's immigration and justice spokesperson.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following news of her death. Former prime minister Boris Johnson remembered her as a "heroic Brexiteer", while leaders from different parties praised her long career in public service.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and appealed for anyone with information that could assist detectives to come forward.
