UK police release suspect held over murder of Ann Widdecombe

British police have released a man arrested on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Devon with "serious injuries." The 78-year-old politician was discovered on Thursday, but authorities believe the attack occurred approximately 24 hours earlier.

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A 26-year-old man who was arrested on Friday (Jul 10) on suspicion of murder has since been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police stated that officers are still seeking a white male suspect. He confirmed on Friday that there was no information suggesting the crime was politically motivated or terror-related. "Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident," Longman said.

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We believe the attack took place on Wednesday (Jul 8) at around 12.30pm.

Widdecombe, a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party from 1987 to 2010, was known for her outspoken views and Christian faith. During her tenure as prisons minister in 1995, she faced controversy for defending a policy that involved chaining pregnant prisoners. A strong proponent of Brexit, she left the Conservative Party in 2019 to join Nigel Farage's hard-right, anti-immigration party.

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I had no information to say it was a politically motivated crime.

Nigel Farage commented on Widdecombe's death, calling it a "terrible reflection on modern Britain." He expressed concerns about the increasing dangers faced by individuals in public and political life. Police are continuing their extensive inquiries to uncover the full details of the incident.

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Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.