Widdecombe murder inquiry – what we knowpublished at 07:18 BST
Jacob Phillips
Live reporter
A 26-year-old man who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murdering former Conservative minister Ann Widdecombe has been released and is no longer part of the investigation, police say.
The 78-year-old was found dead in her home in Haytor, Devon, on Thursday – here’s a reminder of what we know so far:
Death announced: Widdecombe’s death was first announced on Friday morning by her management team, but there was no information about when, how or where she died, and no detail on any suspicious circumstances.
Serious injuries: Devon and Cornwall Police said the 78-year-old former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokeswoman had been found dead with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, a village on Dartmoor at around 11:40 BST on Thursday.
Murder investigation: But later on Friday afternoon, police issued a statement saying they had launched a murder investigation and released details of a suspect.
Arrest: The force’s Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman told a press conference on Friday that a 26-year-old white British man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of murder.
Not terror-related: Longman also explained there was “no information that this is a politically motivated crime” and also confirmed the incident was not being treated as terror-related.
“Absolutely devastated”: Widdecombe’s management team then released another statement, saying they were “absolutely devastated” by news of the police investigation.
Suspect released: Devon and Cornwall Police said on Saturday morning that the suspect has since been released from custody and is no longer part of the investigation.
Stay with us for the latest updates throughout the day.
