Police investigating the murder of former British politician Ann Widdecombe are examining CCTV footage that appears to show the main suspect leaving a property in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, hours before the fatal attack in Devon.
The footage, reportedly recorded at 7:51 a.m. on Wednesday, shows a man wearing a white shirt and shorts getting into a red car outside a house in Rotherham. A long object can be seen protruding from one of his shorts pockets. Investigators are reviewing the footage as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday after suffering serious injuries. Detectives believe the attack took place around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The investigation led to the arrest of a 28-year-old British man in Rotherham on Saturday evening. He remains in police custody while detectives continue questioning him.
Devon and Cornwall Police say there is currently no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said officers are keeping an open mind as investigations continue and stressed that there is no indication of any wider threat to the public.
Police have received more than 120 pieces of information following their public appeal and are urging anyone with relevant details to contact investigators. Officers have also asked the public to avoid speculation about the motive, warning that it could interfere with the investigation and cause further distress to the victim’s family.
A heightened police presence will remain in the Haytor area while inquiries continue. Meanwhile, forensic teams have been working at a property in Rotherham believed to be linked to the investigation, where a red vehicle was also removed by police.
Ann Widdecombe served as the Conservative Member of Parliament for Maidstone for 23 years and held ministerial positions in the government of former Prime Minister John Major between 1994 and 1997.
After leaving Parliament in 2010, she became a familiar television personality, appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and later finishing as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother. She also represented South West England in the European Parliament for the Brexit Party between 2019 and 2020.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the political spectrum. Friends, supporters and political leaders have praised her long public service, outspoken character and lasting contribution to British politics. Around 40 mourners gathered in Haytor Vale to honour her memory, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage were among those who paid tribute.
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