The family of the man arrested on suspicion of murdering former politician Ann Widdecombe have described him as a "polite, shy, gentle giant" who exhibited "no red flags at all." Armed police apprehended a 28-year-old man at a council house in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday in connection with the killing of the 78-year-old politician.
CCTV footage captured the suspect leaving his residence shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, appearing to carry a pole or wooden batten concealed in his shorts. His uncle, 73, who requested anonymity, stated he was "absolutely flabbergasted" by the arrest, describing his nephew as having "spiralled" following the death of his father. The uncle noted that the suspect, one of three brothers, had lived in the Rotherham property for most of his life. His parents had separated over 15 years prior, but his father remained at the family home until his passing from cancer.
"There have been no red flags at all," the suspect's relative told The Sun. "The only thing I can think of is he's been left on his own after his dad's death and he's spiralled. He's always been a quiet, polite lad, and very shy."
Ann Widdecombe was discovered dead at her cottage in Haytor, Dartmoor, around 11:40 a.m. on Thursday by her gardener. She had sustained serious injuries. Specialist officers from Counter Terrorism Policing are now leading the investigation, despite initial police statements indicating the murder was not politically motivated. Shabana Mahmood, in a statement to the House of Commons, confirmed that the arrested man had not been referred to Prevent, the UK's anti-extremist program.
On the day Ms. Widdecombe died, the suspect was filmed entering a red hatchback vehicle. Police believe he then traveled approximately 267 miles to her remote property, a journey that took around five hours. Authorities believe the former Conservative minister was killed shortly after midday on Wednesday. Neighbors of the suspect described him as a recluse, an unemployed "loner" who rarely left his home. One neighbor familiar with the CCTV footage noted that the man appeared to be carrying a stick concealed under his T-shirt before placing it in the car.
Ms. Widdecombe, a prominent figure in British politics, served as the Member of Parliament for Maidstone from 1987 to 1997 and for Tewkesbury from 1997 to 2005. Her death has prompted widespread tributes, including from broadcaster Jeremy Vine, who was a close friend and frequent guest on his television and radio programs.
Forensic officers continued their search of the suspect's terraced house in Rotherham on Sunday, with uniformed officers maintaining a cordon outside. Neighbors reported that a group of armed officers surrounded the property around 9 p.m. on Saturday. Courtney Foster, a neighbor, described seeing officers "running up" and banging loudly on the door, which the suspect opened before being taken away. Police also took the man's pet dog.
Mr. Astle, another neighbor, stated that the suspect had become much quieter and kept to himself since his father's death in December. Ms. Foster added that he was "always in the house and I don't think he worked." Other locals observed that the suspect's red Vauxhall Corsa rarely moved from his driveway. One neighbor commented that it was unusual to see the car being driven so early in the morning, as it was typically left stationary for extended periods.