UK Police Arrest 26-Year-Old Suspect in Murder of Former Minister Ann Widdecombe

British police launched a murder investigation after former minister Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home in southwest England on Thursday, with Devon and Cornwall Police saying she had “sustained serious injuries.”

“In short: UK police have launched a murder investigation after the death of former minister Ann Widdecombe”

ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murdering Widdecombe, and Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police said the incident “is not being treated as terrorism” or politically motivated.

ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Police said officers were called to Widdecombe’s address around midday on Thursday, and forensic examinations were continuing at the property.

CBS News reported Widdecombe was found in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and said police described her injuries as “serious injuries.”

Devon and Cornwall police said their murder enquiry was in its early stages but “moving at a significant pace,” while also stating they were deploying “all of the necessary resources” to identify the person responsible.

Keir Starmer told reporters, “This is really shocking news,” and said “Ann was a distinguished politician over many, many years with many achievements, and it’s a huge, huge loss.”

Al Jazeera

In Exeter, assistant chief constable Matt Longman said the force did not believe at this stage that the killing was politically motivated and said after an initial consultation with counter-terrorism officers, it had ruled out a terrorist motive.

Widdecombe’s nephew Roger Widdecombe said, “My thanks go to everybody who has sent messages of condolences. But we are not going to say anything further at this stage.”

Police said the suspect was arrested at an address in Newton Abbot, and The Guardian reported it was less than 10 miles from Widdecombe’s home while he remained in police custody.

The Guardian said roads were closed around the scene and a cordon was in place at the property while specialist officers continued forensic examinations, and it added the force said there would be a significant police presence on Friday.

Starmer urged people to “rise above any political differences,” and said he had spoken to top officials “to urge everybody to come together.”

The case also revived memories of other attacks on lawmakers, with multiple outlets noting Jo Cox was shot and stabbed in 2016 and David Amess was stabbed to death in 2021 by a man inspired by the Islamic State group.