Police have released a 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former Member of Parliament and Member of the European Parliament Ann Widdecombe. The man is no longer part of the ongoing investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police announced on Saturday.
Widdecombe, 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday. The ex-Tory prisons minister later served as a Brexit Party MEP and a spokeswoman for Reform UK.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated that the priority remains identifying those responsible for Widdecombe's death. "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. He added that the investigation is "moving at a significant pace" and that all necessary resources are being deployed.
The police are appealing for anyone with information, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward. They have established a Major Incident Public Portal on their website for the submission of information, images, or footage. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Authorities have asked the public not to speculate about the incident, particularly on social media, citing potential harm to the investigation and distress to Widdecombe's family and friends. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.
