Police issue plea in new statement amid Ann Widdecombe murder manhunt

Police have issued a plea in a new statement as they continue their manhunt following Anne Widdecombe's death.

Devon and Cornwall Police launched a murder investigation after the former MP was found dead with serious injuries at her Dartmoor property on Thursday morning.

Further details released by officers earlier today revealed Ms Widdecombe was attacked the day before she was found.

Yesterday, Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman announced his team had arrested a 26-year-old white British national in Newton Abbot and was taken into police custody.

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The force later released the initial suspect and said he was no longer part of the investigation.

Now, ACC Longman said officers have made the "active decision not to release further information", including descriptions of any potential suspects.

In a new statement, Mr Longman said: "I want to start with expressing my thanks to the local community and to the people who have come forward so far with their information.

"We have been working at pace on this investigation."

He added that officers were "making progress" as they pursued a number of lines of enquiry.

"At this time we have made the active decision not to release further information, including descriptions of any potential suspects or releasing CCTV footage," ACC Longman said.

"Releasing such information prematurely could compromise ongoing enquiries and may prejudice future investigative opportunities."

He said the decision not to disclose further details was decided on an "operational basis".

LATEST ON ANN WIDDECOMBE:

• Nigel Farage says 'world is more dangerous than ever' as search for Ann Widdecombe's killer steps up
• WATCH: Ann Widdecombe’s former driver speaks on GB News after ‘shock to the system’
• Ann Widdecombe was ‘attacked day before body was found’ as police reveal new details amid manhunt

"We will release information to the public when it is appropriate and necessary, in order to support the investigation," the Assistant Chief Constable concluded.

"I would ask the public again, please do not to speculate on social media," he added.

Police have instructed anyone with relevant information to reach out to officers via the major incident public portal established yesterday.

Earlier this morning, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed the force is working on the basis that the attack took place the day before Ms Widdecombe's body was found.

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

This afternoon, Nigel Farage paid tribute to his "remarkable" friend and political ally by laying a wreath outside her Dartmoor bungalow.

He said: "Her patriotism was deep within her family. She was immensely proud of the work her father had done with the Royal Navy in the war.

"She was so much more than just a politician.

"Suddenly Ann Widdecombe the socially conservative, Christian politician, suddenly appears on Strictly Come Dancing, Big Brother, doing theatre tours around the country, writing novels, quite remarkable."

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