Ann Widdecombe investigation: police release man arrested on suspicion of former MP’s murder – latest updates

In an updated statement , Devon and Cornwall police said that Ann Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead. The force’s assistant chief constable, Matt Longman, said:

double quotation mark Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday 9 July .

Sadly, 78-year-old Miss Widdecombe was located deceased within the property. She had sustained serious injuries…

We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm .

Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male .

A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations. There are road closures in place around the scene.

The public will see a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries.