No political motive suggested in Widdecombe killing probe

British police are investigating the death of former junior minister Ann Widdecombe, stating that there is currently no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated. A 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire in connection with the incident.

Widdecombe, 78, a Conservative politician who served as a Member of Parliament for 23 years, was found dead at her home in Haytor, southwest England, on Thursday. Police reported that she had sustained serious injuries, with an attack believed to have occurred nearly 24 hours prior to her discovery.

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There is nothing to suggest it was politically motivated.

Earlier, a 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but was subsequently released and is no longer part of the investigation. The current suspect is a British national. Police have described the arrest as a significant development but emphasized that they remain open-minded regarding the motive.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that while the investigation is ongoing, there is no indication of terrorism or a broader threat to the public. The family of the former minister has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers. Police are appealing for further information from the public.

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Officers remained 'open-minded' about a potential motive and that there was not thought to be any threat to the wider public.