British police have released a 26-year-old man arrested in connection with the killing of former politician and reality television contestant Ann Widdecombe, saying he is no longer a suspect as the search for her killer continues.
Devon and Cornwall Police said on Saturday that Widdecombe, 78, is believed to have been attacked at her isolated home in the village of Haytor, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, at around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday—a full day before her body was discovered.
Widdecombe was found dead on Thursday after concerns were raised when she failed to appear for a scheduled television interview the previous afternoon. Police said she had sustained “serious injuries,” but have not disclosed the cause of death.
The force said detectives were working “at a significant pace” to identify the person responsible and added that they do not believe there is an ongoing risk to the public.
Police also stressed that the killing is not being treated as an act of terrorism and that there is no evidence to suggest it was politically motivated.