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Uncle of Ann Widdecombe suspect says he 'nearly fell to floor' over arrest
🇬🇧 United Kingdom /Crime & Justice

Uncle of Ann Widdecombe suspect says he 'nearly fell to floor' over arrest

From BBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • The uncle of a suspect arrested in connection with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe expressed shock over the arrest.
  • The suspect, a 28-year-old white British man, is being held on suspicion of murder and terrorism-related acts.
  • Police believe Widdecombe was killed in a targeted attack, and the investigation into the motive is ongoing.

The uncle of a man arrested on suspicion of murdering former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe has spoken of his profound shock, stating he "nearly fell to the floor" upon hearing the news. He described his nephew as a "quiet and unassuming boy," who was "gentle and polite," expressing disbelief that he would be involved in such an act.

My legs went like jelly. He's the last person I would think would do anything like that.

— Uncle of suspectExpressing his shock and disbelief at his nephew's arrest.

Ann Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on July 9, after reportedly being attacked on July 8. She had sustained serious injuries. A 28-year-old white British man was arrested on Saturday in South Yorkshire on suspicion of murder and terrorism-related offenses. Counter-terrorism police are treating the death as a "targeted attack" and are working to determine the motive.

He's the last person I would think would do anything like that.

— Uncle of suspectDescribing his nephew's character and his inability to reconcile it with the alleged crime.

The arrested man's uncle noted that his nephew had been living with his father until his recent death and that he rarely saw him. A neighbor corroborated this, stating the suspect kept to himself. She recalled seeing his car leave the property early one Wednesday morning and return later that evening, finding his absence unusual.

Things don't add up … To drive all that way and back in one day takes some doing. I would drive past his house nearly every day and 99 times out of a 100 the car would be there.

— Uncle of suspectRaising questions about the logistics of the suspect's alleged movements.

The uncle also expressed skepticism about the timeline, suggesting that driving a significant distance and returning within a single day seemed improbable. He mentioned that the car was usually present at his nephew's house. Tributes have poured in for Widdecombe, a former MP for Maidstone, who served in government during John Major's premiership. She later participated in reality television shows and was a Member of the European Parliament for the Brexit Party.

He used to take his dad out shopping while he was still alive, but since then he never really went out much.

— Courtney Foster (Neighbor)Describing the suspect's recent behavior and social interactions.
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Originally published by BBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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