Police on Sunday were continuing to search the Rotherham home of a man arrested by armed officers on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe.
Forensic experts remained inside the mid-terraced property on a council estate in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with uniformed officers maintaining a presence outside. Neighbors reported that approximately a dozen armed officers surrounded the property on Saturday evening, an hour before England's World Cup match against Norway was scheduled to begin.
The suspect, identified by locals as a 'loner' and one of three brothers, reportedly answered the door and was arrested. Neighbors described him as someone who had become increasingly reclusive since his father's death the previous year. One of his brothers is believed to reside in Devon, while another brother and his mother live locally.
The property remained cordoned off and under police guard, with a tactical support unit, a police van, and a police four-wheel drive vehicle present. Neighbors gathered to observe as officers in white forensic suits conducted their search.
Courtney Foster, a neighbor, stated that officers arrived and knocked loudly on the door, but did not force entry as the suspect opened it. She confirmed the man was asked for his name and then taken away. Foster also noted that police took the suspect's dog.
Another neighbor, Rayed Astle, described the arrested man as having become very quiet and withdrawn after his father's death in December. He added that the man rarely left the house and likely did not work. Neighbors also noted that the man's red Vauxhall Corsa had been parked on the drive for an extended period, with weeds growing on it.
Police confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest the murder was politically motivated, despite initial involvement from counter-terrorism officers. The former MP and MEP was discovered deceased at her cottage in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday morning by her gardener.
Detectives stated the investigation is proceeding rapidly, with the priority being the identification of those responsible for Ms. Widdecombe's death. An initial arrest of a 26-year-old man on Friday was later rescinded, and he is no longer part of the investigation. The currently detained suspect is a white British national.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman indicated there was no information to suggest a wider threat, though officers remain open-minded about the motive. He also stated that police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the alleged murder. Reports of a hunt for the driver of a suspicious car near Ms. Widdecombe's home were linked to a VW Golf Mk4 noticed by a garage manager. The manager reported the vehicle was parked unusually, and the driver did not appear to be local.
Investigators believe Ms. Widdecombe was attacked around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, shortly before a scheduled television appearance. Police have received over 120 tips from the public.
