Police arrest 28-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of former MP and MEP Ann Widdecombe, police said.

The former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor at about 11.40am on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries.

A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police, late on Saturday, said: “We can confirm that a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area this evening (July 11) on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.

“The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody.

“Miss Widdecombe’s family have been informed of this development.

“We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police.

“At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism-related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”

Devon and Cornwall Police said earlier on Saturday 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.

Published: by Radio NewsHub

Source: https://www.radionewshub.com/articles/news-updates/Police-arrest-28-year-old-man-on-suspicion-of-the-murder-of-Ann-Widdecombe