Overview
- Devon and Cornwall Police opened a murder investigation after the 78-year-old former MP was found dead with serious injuries at her Haytor home, and detectives say they believe the attack occurred around 12:30pm on Wednesday.
- Officers arrested a 26-year-old man at an address in Newton Abbot on Friday but released him on Saturday and confirmed he is no longer part of the inquiry.
- Police say they are searching for a white male suspect and have a forensic cordon in place at the property while specialist teams carry out house-to-house enquiries and review CCTV.
- Authorities have stated the case is not being treated as terrorism and that there is no information at present to suggest the death was politically motivated, and leaders have paid tribute while asking for restraint and privacy for the family.
- Detectives describe the probe as moving at pace and have asked anyone with information or footage to use the Major Incident Public Portal or contact Crimestoppers as inquiries and forensic examinations continue.