Man released without charge in Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry

The 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation, Devon and Cornwall Police said. The ex-Tory prisons minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday after sustaining serious injuries. Her body was discovered “covered in blood from sustaining a serious head wound” after police were called by the ambulance service at around 11:40am. On Friday, police arrested a white British national at an address in Newton Abbot, Devon. But today the force confirmed his release. Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined. Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.” A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations, and road closures remain around the scene. Longman added that there will be a significant police presence in the area while detectives carry out house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. The death of Widdecombe, 78, was announced by her management on the morning of Friday, July 10. Their statement read: “It is with great sadness that today we announce the death of the Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe, DSG. We send our deepest condolences to Ann’s family and friends. We ask that the family’s wish not to be contacted at this sad time is respected.” The murder investigation, led by the Force Major Crime Investigation Team, continues.