Detectives say Ann Widdecombe’s alleged murder ‘not politically motivated’ as new details emerge

Police investigating the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe have today said they are working on the basis the incident was "not politically motivated" following the arrest of a suspect overnight.

Devon and Cornwall Police also said that they are not treating her death as being connected to terrorism, while issuing a public address this morning.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of murder yesterday evening, with the victim's family informed.

The former Conservative MP, aged 78 when she died, was found at her home in Haytor, Devon, at around 11.40am on Thursday, having sustained serious injuries.

Officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the case.

"At this stage, there is nothing to suggest it was politically motivated," Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told the media in Exeter.

He said officers are "open-minded" about the motive.

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