The former Conservative MP was found dead in her home last week.
Man held over Ann Widdecombe murder was arrested in Rotherham
GB News came to a halt for a major update on the death of Ann Widdecombe as former Scotland Yard detective Peter Bleksley said he believes an announcement is expected later this morning. The former Conservative minister was found dead at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor on Thursday (July 9) morning after sustaining serious injuries. Devon and Cornwall Police said it is believed Widdecombe, who was 78 at the time of her death, was attacked on Wednesday at around 12.30pm.
Appearing on GB News, Bleksley has now analysed the police investigation into the murder of the Strictly Come Dancing star. He said he believes Devon and Cornwall Police will have been given all the resources they need because it is a “huge inquiry”. Sharing what he knows about the case, Bleksley explained there has been cooperation between counterterrorism police in the north west, but insisted: “There is no suggestion there is a terrorism-related crime”.
Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her home last week (Image: Getty)
Police announced over the weekend that a 28-year-old man had been arrested in South Yorkshire on suspicion of Widdecombe’s murder.
From his experience working as a detective, Bleksley was able to share some insight into how Devon and Cornwall Police will likely be conducting its investigation.
He said: “We know the arrest of this suspect was at nine o’clock on Saturday evening. What I imagine we will hear at around nine o’clock is whether the police are going to apply to a magistrate for an extension to the amount of time they can detain that person for.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they do go to the court and are granted an extension because the police will be gathering evidence, and quite often in cases such as this, they are waiting for the results of forensic examinations.”
He added that forensic evidence is highly likely to be the key factor linking the suspect to the crime, as it has been in many modern cases.
Bleksley went on: “Around about nine o’clock, I think there will be an announcement which will tell us either that a court has granted an extension and this person remains in custody, or that person might be released, either on bail or with other conditions attached.”
The former detective explained that police could also confirm whether charges are being brought forward or not, adding that he is certain a “significant update” on Widdecombe’s murder will be made public this morning.