Police: No evidence of political motive in Ann Widdecombe's death

Police investigating the alleged murder of Ann Widdecombe say there is "nothing to suggest" the attack was politically motivated following the arrest of a second suspect.

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Police.

The former Conservative MP and MEP, who was 78, was found dead at her home near Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after suffering serious injuries. Detectives believe she was attacked almost 24 hours before her body was discovered.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators remained "open-minded" about a motive but stressed there was no indication the attack was linked to terrorism or politics.

He added that police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation and do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.

More than 120 pieces of information have been received since detectives appealed for witnesses. Officers are urging anyone who has not yet come forward to contact them as a priority.

Police have also asked people to avoid speculating about the motive, saying it could hinder the investigation and cause further distress to Widdecombe's family.

A heightened police presence will remain in the Haytor area over the coming weeks.

Chief Constable James Vaughan praised the investigation, describing it as an "extraordinary response" that had moved at "lightning pace" over the past 72 hours.

"I'm really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody," he said.

A 26-year-old man who was arrested on Friday was released the following day and is no longer part of the investigation.

Widdecombe represented Maidstone as a Conservative MP for 23 years and served as a government minister under Sir John Major between 1994 and 1997.

After leaving Parliament in 2010, she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing before finishing as runner-up on Celebrity Big Brother in 2018. She later joined the Brexit Party, serving as an MEP for South West England from 2019 until the UK left the European Union.