Police say a 28-year-old man has been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe.
“The suspect, who is a white British national, is now in police custody,” a statement from Devon and Cornwall Police says.
Widdecombe, a former Conservative minister turned Reform UK spokesperson, was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon at 11:40 BST on Thursday. Police believe she was attacked almost 24 hours earlier.
A man, 26, had been arrested earlier in Newton Abbot, 11 miles (18km) away on suspicion of murder before he was released on Saturday. After he was released from custody, police said he was “no longer part of the investigation”.
The latest arrest took place at an address in South Yorkshire, police say, approximately 270 miles (430km) from Widdecombe’s Devon property.
In its latest update, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We were supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and South Yorkshire Police who carried out the arrest on behalf of Devon & Cornwall Police.
“At this time, there is still no information to suggest that this is a terrorism related incident and as a force we retain primacy of the investigation.”
It added: “This is a live and active investigation, and no further information will be issued tonight.”
Widdecombe’s family had been informed of the latest updates, police added.
A significant police presence remained around her property in Devon over the weekend, with forensic officers seen arriving outside Widdecombe’s home.
