Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing after new arrest
There is no information to suggest the attack on Widdecombe was terrorism-related, Longman told reporters on Sunday.
The family of the former Conservative minister, and later Reform UK spokesperson, have been informed of the updates and are being supported by specialist officers.
Devon and Cornwall Police has received more than 120 reports of information after making a public appeal, and Longman asked anyone who had not yet come forward to do so “as a priority”.
He reiterated calls asking people not to speculate, especially about a potential motive, saying this was “unhelpful” for the investigation and “distressing” to Widdecombe’s relatives.
Longman said a “heightened” police presence would remain in the area over the coming weeks.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said Devon and Cornwall Police had “mounted an extraordinary response to a horrific murder of a very prominent public figure” and shown “British policing at its very best”.
He said the investigation had been running at “lightning pace” over the past 48 hours, adding: “I am really pleased that we have a suspect firmly in custody.”
In a statement, Alison Hernandez, police and crime commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said it has been a “very unsettling time” for the local community.
“One of the lines that the police are always saying is ‘don’t speculate’ – my view is everyone is going to speculate, but just do it in the safety of your own home or down the pub,” she told reporters.
