Suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder seen on CCTV before arrest

Police investigate movements of man accused in former minister’s death

Police investigating the murder of former UK minister Ann Widdecombe are examining CCTV footage showing the main suspect travelling from Yorkshire before the 78-year-old was found dead at her home in Devon.

The footage, reportedly recorded in Rotherham, shows a man wearing a white shirt and shorts getting into a red vehicle outside a property at around 07:51 on Wednesday. A long object appears to be visible from his shorts pocket, though police have not confirmed details about the item.

Widdecombe was discovered dead at her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday after suffering serious injuries. Her death triggered a major investigation and a nationwide search for the person responsible.

Arrest made after nationwide manhunt

A 28-year-old white British man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, on Saturday evening at around 21:00 in connection with the investigation. Police continued questioning the suspect on Monday.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers believe Widdecombe was attacked at her home on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 12:30.

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said investigators remained open-minded about the motive behind the killing and confirmed there was no indication that the wider public was at risk.

Police have also urged members of the public to avoid speculation, particularly regarding possible motives, saying such discussion could cause further distress to Widdecombe’s family.

Investigation continues across two regions

The investigation has involved officers in both Devon and South Yorkshire, with forensic teams searching properties linked to the suspect.

The distance between Widdecombe’s home in Devon and the location of the arrest in Rotherham is around 270 miles, a journey that takes approximately four and a half hours by car.

Neighbours in Rotherham described seeing armed police arrive at a property before officers removed the suspect. One resident said there was a large police presence and that a red car was taken away from the scene.

Authorities said they had received more than 120 pieces of information from the public following an appeal for witnesses.

Tributes paid to former Conservative minister

Widdecombe served as Conservative MP for Maidstone for 23 years and held government positions during Sir John Major’s administration between 1994 and 1997.

After leaving Parliament in 2010, she became a familiar television personality, appearing on shows including “Strictly Come Dancing” and “Celebrity Big Brother”.

She later joined the Brexit Party and served as a Member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2020.

Tributes have been paid across the political divide, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer describing her death as a significant loss and calling for respect for her family.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch praised Widdecombe as a “fun and feisty” figure, while Reform UK figures remembered her as a strong defender of her beliefs.

As the investigation continues, police say a heightened presence will remain in the Haytor area while officers gather further evidence.