Ann Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police believe.
The report indicates that ann Widdecombe was attacked nearly 24 hours before she was found dead, police believe.
It further notes that the 78-year-old former Conservative minister was found with serious injuries at her home in Haytor, Devon at 11:40 BST on Thursday.
In an updated statement on Saturday afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30 pm.” They added that enquiries were “moving at pace for a suspect who is believed to be a white male”.
Earlier on Saturday, the force announced a 26-year-old white British man, who had been arrested on Friday on suspicion of murdering the former MP, had been released from custody and was “no longer part of the investigation”.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman stated in a statement: “Our priority remains identifying those responsible and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined”.
He stated detectives were continuing to carry out “numerous enquiries”, adding that the investigation was “moving at a significant pace”.
“We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.
I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us.”
A significant police presence remained in the area on Saturday, with forensic officers seen arriving at the property.
During a police press conference on Friday, Longman stated the force had ruled out terrorism and had no information to believe Widdecombe’s death was a “politically motivated crime”.
He added that it was too early to comment on whether or not the suspect was known to her.
Widdecombe’s death was announced by her management agency early on Friday morning without mention of any suspicious circumstances.
By afternoon, Devon and Cornwall Police had issued a statement, revealing that a murder investigation had been launched and they were looking for a suspect believed to be a white British man.
Local residents have been reeling following news of the attack, with one woman who lives near Widdecombe’s home in Haytor telling PA news agency the area was “very safe” and it was not unusual for people to leave their cars and front doors unlocked.
