Ann Widdecombe murder probe: Suspect 'put wooden stick inside moss-covered car on day of ex-Tory MP's death'

Ann Widdecombe murder probe: Suspect 'put wooden stick inside moss-covered car on day of ex-Tory MP's death' Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder probe after ex-Conservative MP and Brexit Party MEP Ann Widdecombe was found dead inside her home with "serious injuries", a man has now been arrested Police today stressed there is nothing to suggest a political motive after they arrested a man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe's murder in what they described as a "lightning pace" investigation. Officers have been seen carrying out fresh searches near the politician's home this morning - but in an update today police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the crime. Devon and Cornwall Police revealed the former MP and MEP was killed at 12.30pm on Wednesday in the remote house where she lived alone with her cat on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. Widdecombe lay dead for nearly 24 hours before her body was discovered. Last night the force revealed a 28-year-old man was arrested at an address in the South Yorkshire area on suspicion of Ms Widdecombe's murder. Today, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Shortly after 9pm on Saturday the 11th of July, a 28-year-old white British man was arrested at an address in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of the murder of Ms Widdecombe. "We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall.“ At this point there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident. And at this point, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder." Key Events If you're just waking up to a new week, these are the essential details you need to know about Ann Widdecombe's death: - After Ann Widdecombe's death was announced on Friday morning (July 10), police arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with her passing later that day. He was subsequently released without charge on Saturday morning. - Police announced they have arrested another man, aged 28, shortly before midnight on Saturday, in Rotherham, South Yorkshire - several hundred miles away from Widdecombe's home in Haytor, Devon. - On Sunday, police said they do not believe the killing was politically-motivated. They also confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the death. - Police have continued to call for an end to speculation, saying it does not assist their inquiries and is distressing for Miss Widdecombe's loved ones. - Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: "I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful.“It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe.“We understand that there is a huge appetite for information, but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount now." - We will bring you all the latest updates on this case as it progresses on Monday. Neighbours have revealed how shocking Ann Widdecombe's murder is - saying it has completely changed how they see their small Dartmoor village. Christine Maloney, who lives near Ann Widdecombe’s home in Haytor, said the area is 'very safe' and it is not unusual for locals to leave their cars and front doors unlocked. She said of the former MP: “My husband saw her a week ago, driving around. I’m very shocked at (her death), it shouldn’t have happened, it’s horrific. “Everyone knows that’s her house, perhaps that’s the problem? It’s very, very safe around here. “I leave my car open, I leave my front door open – not now." One woman living in Haytor Vale, who did not wish to be named, said: “I never met (Ann Widdecombe) although I’ve lived here all my life. It’s tragic, someone gives all their life to public service and then they end like that. “(Haytor) is a safe area. Every couple of years or so, somebody goes around the garden sheds and nicks all the expensive gardening equipment. That’s as far as it goes really. We’ve never had anything close (to this) in all my years.” Neighbours of Miss Widdecombe have recalled how she fit into daily life in the village of Haytor, on Dartmoor. Will, who did not wish to give his last name, said he would see Ann Widdecombe walking on Dartmoor. He said: “Like everybody else, she was just part of the community. It’s a safe area, it’s lovely. “It shocked me because I thought, poor lady, she’s had a heart attack or something. Then I heard about (the murder investigation) and I thought, crikey.” Alison and Simon Gilbert, who have lived in in Haytor Vale for more than a decade, said Ann Widdecombe was a well-known figure locally. Mrs Gilbert said: “She was a nice woman, really nice woman, and she had a great sense of humour. It’s a lovely area – you talk to strangers. “Everyone saw her as quite an opinionated politician, but to us she was just a person in the community. “First of all, we got back and saw police and thought maybe it was a burglary, a lot of us suspected she had a heart attack or something.” “She didn’t deserve to die like that,” Mr Gilbert added. One neighbour said: “It all happened just before the match [on Sunday night]. “When we came home from watching it there were just two plain police cars there but everyone says there were loads more here before that.” A woman said: “Nothing happens on this street. We’ve been here 12 years and nothing has ever happened.” Asked about the man who lives in the house, she said the rest of the family moved out some time ago. She said: “He’s been living there on his own. “We’ve never even seen him. We don’t really know him. I don’t think anybody knows him. It’s so strange.” Tobias Ellwood, the former soldier, Conservative MP for Bournemouth, and chair of the defence select committee, has paid tribute to Miss Widdecombe. He told GB News: "She had a commanding presence in the Commons. We have monitors which tell you who is speaking in the Chamber. When her name flashed up, people would drop what they were doing and go in to hear what she was saying. "I was not in the same wing of the party as her, but ewe could clash, we could have fiesty debates. But the next day it was a reset and we could move forward. "She had this elder grandee-statesman character in the party and everyone respected her. That's very much missed now." While the investigation is ongoing, police have urged the public not to speculate about any potential motives in the murder case, saying it is 'unhelpful'. To remind you, in a short briefing just after 11.30am on Sunday, Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told reporters: “We are aware of online and public speculation, particularly with regards to motive. “Again, I urge people not to share or engage with that speculation. It’s unhelpful. “It doesn’t aid our investigation, and particularly, it’s distressing to the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. “We understand that there is a huge appetite for information, but progressing and protecting the integrity of our investigation is paramount now. “We recognise there is still some way to go in this case, and the release of any information will be a decision made on an operational basis.” Police are continuing to probe Ann Widdecombe's death, having arrested one man. Detectives are still asking for potential witnesses to come forward, though. Devon and Cornwall Police Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Over the past few days, we’ve received in excess of 120 reports of information to assist us in our investigation into our Major Incident Public Portal. “I’d just like to thank all those who have taken the time to contribute that information, and ask anyone who has not yet submitted any information that they hold to do so as a priority. “Any relevant information, images or footage can be reported via our Major Incident Public Portal, and you can follow the links and QR codes available on our website to achieve this. “Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.” A Senior Reform UK councillor in Sunderland, Andrew Ramsey, has shared his own tribute to Ann Widdecombe. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said he last spoke to Ann Widdecombe days before she was found dead. He told reporters in Haytor Vale: “It was Monday I last spoke to her. Any conversation with Ann is a proper conversation, there’s no tittle tattle… And that was great, as always. “And then I had a nice text message on Tuesday, and then Thursday you hear the news… It’s just shocking.” Addressing a group of mourners gathered in the village, he said: “We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime. “Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was treasured by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.” Reverend John Bennett, 67, from Ilsington, officiated today's memorial ceremony, which was attended by Reform's top figures. He said: “It’s desperately sad. It’s a shock for the community that someone so wonderful could be killed in this way. This is a community where people feel safe. She was very much part of the community. She was part of the summer show. One of my favourite memories was when she played with the children at the summer show.” Locals described the long-haired suspect as a "loner" who had become reclusive since the death of his dad in December last year. Mr Foster said: "He was someone you’d have a conversation with, but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn’t really speak to anyone. He was always in the house. I don’t think he worked." Locals have described the moment police arrived in Rotherham on Sunday, saying they saw around a dozen, some armed, officers bearing down on the residential street. Courtney Foster, 25, who lives next door with his partner Rayed Astle, 26, said: "We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. There were about 12 officers and quite a few cars. Some were armed. "They banged on the door very loudly. They didn’t smash the door down because he opened it. They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away." Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton writes in from Rotherham... A 28 year old former classmate of the suspect has said he was "proper kind, funny and lovely at school". He said: “He’s the last person in the world you’d expect to do something like that. “We went to primary school and comprehensive school together. I would be shocked if it was him. We’d play out together, playing kerby. Had tea at his house once. His mum was lovely. He was proper kind, funny and lovely at school. He never was mean to anyone. He was really a nice lad. “I would not imagine he would have that in him. He was really clever.” Armed cops arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe's murder after swooping on a mid-terrace house some 270 miles away from the former Cabinet Minister's home. The suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was led away to a police van by officers in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, shortly after 9pm on Saturday night. Police were today examining CCTV which appeared to show the suspect putting a wooden stick in the back of a "filthy" and "moss-covered" red Vauxhall Corsa on the day she was killed. Forensics officers were also seen pulling items off walls inside the property and carrying a pair of large bolt-cutters inside yesterday, while detectives held the man in custody at an undisclosed location. Speaking about the moment he was arrested, a local resident described how the suspect appeared "calm" while being led away dressed all in black. The Mirror's Crime Editor Tom Pettifor writes in... Detectives have been getting advice from prosecutors following the arrest of a man on suspicion of Ms Widdecombe's murder. A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "We are in ongoing communication with the Crown Prosecution Service in relation to this investigation which is standard practice." Danny Kruger has spoken after laying a wreath at the memorial area in Haytor today, saying in a social media post that he had done so "on behalf of the East Wiltshire Reform UK branch". We now have additional pictures from the scene in Rotherham showing the police presence following an arrest in the area today. Two police vehicles can be seen parked outside the property - a car and tactical support van. Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton writes in from Rotherham... Rotherham locals have been left reeling by the activity in the town this weekend after watching cars and forensics units sweep into their community. Kingsley Whybrow said: “I saw a load of police, forensics and under cover cop cars. At about 3.30am the road recovery vehicles turned up to take away the red car. “It was a bit of shock to the system. Rotherham has been getting a bad name for itself lately and this just adds to it.” Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton writes in from Rotherham... Forensics have spent all day Sunday scouring the house of a man arrested in connection with Ann Widdecombe’s murder. This weekend has seen Devon and Cornwall Police's investigation progress at speed, with the service earning high praise from the region's Police and Crime Commissioner. A lot of developments have come today, here's what we know: - Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe's murder - The suspect is a "white British national" police said in a statement earlier today - South Yorkshire Police carried out the arrest on behalf of their Devon and Cornwall colleagues - There remains no evidence suggesting Widdecombe's death was terror-related or politically motivated Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton writes in from Rotherham... Forensics have been searching the suspect’s attic. A forensic officer could be seen climbing a ladder into the attic of the suspect’s house at the rear. A local who overlooks the home said: “Not long back the back door was bordered up. The dad, who had one leg, lived there for years. I never heard them though - just the dog.” Police announced today that they arrested a 28-year-old man in Rotherham, a Yorkshire town several hundred miles to the north of Haytor Vale, where Ann Widdecombe died. You can see the distance and travel time between the two communities in the map below: Mirror reporter Patrick Hill writes in from Haytor Vale... Lee Anderson paid respects to "very kind" Ann Widdecombe in his tribute this afternoon, saying he had last spoken with her two weeks ago. He said: “I texted Ann probably two weeks ago. It was general stuff, I did an event with her in Plymouth. With Ann, it’s hard to choose the words because when you’re in a room with Ann you feel like a naughty schoolboy. I think we all want a bit of Ann inside us. A bit of her character.“She was a very kind woman. If she believed in something she didn’t care who was offended. It’s easy for politicians to bend, but not Ann. I just hope they’ve got the right person and they go away for a very long time. She was an old lady, 78, just 5ft, murdered in her own home where she should be able to feel safe. It shouldn’t happen. This brings it home and makes it real. Now we all have security. It’s not something I ever wanted. It’s incredibly sad.” Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said today that it has been a "very unsettling time" for the community following Widdecombe's death. She said: "I hope people will feel reassured there has been major progress in the apprehension of a suspect." She also had a warning for the general public, telling people who speculate about what happened to Widdecombe not to do so on a public platform. The PCC added: "One of the lines that the police are always saying is `don't speculate' - my view is everyone is going to speculate, but just do it in the safety of your own home or down the pub. "Please don't do it online and make it publicly accessible, because those are the things that are actually causing upset to people who are deeply affected by it." The memorial for Widdecombe held by senior Reform figures, including Richard Tice, Lee Anderson and Zia Yusuf, has now concluded, but we're now getting several photos from the gathering. The three, and Danny Kruger, stood in remembrance of their late colleague, and briefly spoke about her to the press after laying wreaths at a memorial site near her home. They spoke about their personal relationship with the former MEP and her significance to the party. Mirror reporter Lucy Thornton writes in from Rotherham... At least eight forensic officers arrived on Sunday afternoon to continue searching the terraced house. A tactical support van was parked outside. Tice said he last spoke to Ann Widdecombe days before she was found dead. He told reporters in Haytor Vale: “It was Monday I last spoke to her. Any conversation with Ann is a proper conversation, there’s no tittle tattle… And that was great, as always. And then I had a nice text message on Tuesday, and then Thursday you hear the news… It’s just shocking.” Addressing a group of mourners gathered in the village, he said: “We have lost an absolute colossus, a legend in all our lifetime. Ann Widdecombe was unique, she was adored by millions, she was treasured by millions… She was a remarkable, remarkable figure.” Mirror reporter Patrick Hill writes in from Haytor Vale... Police have said they have so far found no evidence to suggest the killing was politically motivated. But Mr Tice and Reform MP Lee Anderson both today claimed it shows how they need security. He said: “Separately, there are some very serious issues around the safety of MPs that need sorting out.” Reform’s Lee Anderson claimed that Reform politicians face a heightened risk of attack. Asked about the risks of public life, he said: “We’ve had a problem with security, especially for Reform MPs. “We get a lot of threats – there’s people in prison for threatening me. But this sort of brings it home and makes you realise it’s real, and we’ve got full-time security.” Mirror reporter Patrick Hill writes in from Haytor Vale... Mr Tice spoke to reporters after laying flowers. Asked about Nigel Farage’s claim that the attack was premeditated, he said: “We’re all in a difficult, sad place and the police have arrested one person, released them, arrested another person that may or may not be the right person. “We have to let them crack on with their job, and hopefully they can give us some information as soon as possible." Mirror reporter Patrick Hill writes in from Haytor Vale... Speaking to more than 50 mourners after laying flowers at a makeshift and growing shrine to Widdecombe, Reform deputy leader Richard Tice said: “We have lost an absolute colossus. A legend in our lifetime. “Ann Widdecombe was unique. She was adored by millions. She was treasured by millions, including my late mum. And she was a remarkable, remarkable figure. We have so much to learn from our Ann. It's just incredible – her work ethic was amazing. She would quite happily go the length and breadth of the country, to send a message, to speak to people who wanted to hear from her. “Her philosophy – it’s worth looking at the clip of her with Graham Norton, when she said, ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal. You have got to go for it.’ And I think it's worth remembering, she did that, in every way. “Her character, her conviction, her passion, whatever one's views about individual beliefs, she had a clear view, and she held to it, and she went for it. And when you look at her career, it was incredible. Her political career – a member of Parliament for some 23 years, a member of the European Parliament for just under a year. “She was a prisons minister. She was Shadow Health Secretary, Shadow Home Secretary, and, as we will all remember, she had an incredible wit. “And you never quite knew on the green benches what she might say, and when someone jibed her and said, ‘Where's your broomstick?’, she replied, ‘I have my broom sick, and I will cast a spell on you.’ And that was our Ann. And in her media career, we remember, of course, Strictly Come Dancing. "We remember Celebrity Big Brother, but did you know that she had two BBC agony aunt shows? And how brilliant she was at that. And everything she turned her mind to, she went with vigour, with absolute determination. “For me, and for us, it was an honour to be able to work with her, for me in the last seven years. And one of my greatest memories was when she came to my constituency in the general election, and I had my London taxi. And we had a megaphone, and there was nothing like it, her face lit up when she realised it was a megaphone from which she could campaign. “In just one sentence, she would say, ‘Vote Reform, pick up the litter, young man, and do up your laces.’ That was our Ann. And that's what we will always treasure. I always remember when when you got a text message from Ann, saying, ‘I need to speak to you’, you couldn't be slouched in a chair. “You would sharpen up on your toes, because you knew it was important. And that, in a sense, was what you want from a passionate, critical friend. And we've all lost something extraordinary. The Scottish whiskey industry has also suffered a loss. “And I think, just to conclude, I do think maybe a limited edition Widder's whisky. And I think the tasting notes might have gone something like: unique, unforgettable flavours, a special, very special, series of fiery, spicy, but reliable tones. A treasured blend to be enjoyed to its end. “Ann is with her parents, her brother. She's with her maker. Rest in Peace.”