UK police free suspect in ex-MP Ann Widdecombe murder investigation
UK police have released a suspect previously arrested in connection with the murder of former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Authorities confirmed the victim was attacked a day before her body was discovered and stated there is no evidence of a political or terrorist motive.
Why it matters
The death of a high-profile political figure is a significant public interest event, and the ongoing investigation remains a matter of national concern in the UK.
The former government minister is believed to have been attacked on Wednesday, a full day before her body was discovered.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ann Widdecombe during an event for the Brexit Party in London in November 2019 [File: AFP] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 11 Jul 2026 11 Jul 2026 A man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former British government minister Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, police said.
This comes as detectives revealed the killing took place a day before Widdecombe’s body was found at her home in rural southwest England on Thursday.
Devon and Cornwall Police said a 26-year-old white British national was arrested in Newton Abbot, about 14.5 kilometres (nine miles) from Widdecombe’s home, on Friday, before being freed on Saturday.
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