Overview
- Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead with severe injuries at her rural Haytor home and is believed to have been killed almost 24 hours before her body was discovered on Thursday.
- Police first arrested a 26-year-old man on Friday but released him on Saturday and said he is no longer part of the investigation.
- Devon and Cornwall Police said a 28-year-old British man was arrested on Saturday evening in South Yorkshire and is now in custody with the arrest supported by South Yorkshire Police and specialist units.
- Officers have cordoned Widdecombe’s property, are carrying out detailed forensic searches and have asked the public for CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage while saying there is no current evidence of a terrorist or political motive.
- Senior politicians expressed shock, urged restraint and offered support to the inquiry, and the case is likely to intensify questions about the security of public figures and how investigators handle high-profile killings.