Devon And Cornwall Police Investigate Ann Widdecombe Murder After She Was Found Dead In Haytor

Police launched a murder investigation into the death of Ann Widdecombe, a former member of Parliament, after she was found dead in her home in Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park in southwest England on Thursday with “sustained serious injuries.”

Devon and Cornwall Police said a man was arrested Friday afternoon but was later released and is no longer being investigated, while police had earlier been seeking a white male suspect.

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CBS News partner BBC News reported the man was 26, and police described him as a British national, while police said it was too early to say if the suspect knew Widdecombe.

Detective Chief Inspector Ilona Rosson said, “Our murder enquiry is in its early stages but moving at a significant pace,” as police said they were deploying resources to find the person responsible and locate the suspect they believed to be a white male.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the death by urging people to “rise above any political differences,” saying the priority was to identify and secure a man who was “clearly dangerous.”

The BBC reported that when asked if there was evidence the death was politically motivated, Starmer said he would not speculate about the case, and he said he had spoken with top officials “to urge everybody to come together.”

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Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters that the incident was “not being treated as terrorism” or as being politically motivated, and the force said it was no longer investigating the released suspect.

Nigel Farage, visiting Widdecombe’s bungalow in Dartmoor on Saturday afternoon, said “From what I can see of it, from what I can make out, this was premeditated murder,” while Devon and Cornwall Police asked people not to speculate, warning it could harm the investigation and distress Widdecombe’s family and friends.

NBC News said Widdecombe’s killing reignited concerns about the safety of Britain’s politicians after two others were killed in the last decade, including Jo Cox and David Amess.

NBC News reported that Starmer said the security of lawmakers was “of the utmost importance,” while Nigel Farage said “things have become even more dangerous” for people in public life.

AP News said police did not believe the killing was an act of terror and there was no information to suggest it was politically motivated, while Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said the suspect was in custody as the investigation continues.

The BBC described Haytor Vale, where neighbours are accustomed to leaving doors unlocked, as a village in shock, with one resident saying, “It shouldn't have happened, it's horrific,” as police cordons and door-to-door inquiries continued near Widdecombe’s home named Widdecombe’s Rest.