Police investigating the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe have released fresh details today as the manhunt for the perpetrator continues.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed the force is working on the basis that the attack took place the day before Miss Widdecombe's body was found.
Assistant Chief Constable Matt Longman said: “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday July 8 at around 12.30pm. Our enquiries are moving at pace and a suspect is believed to be a white male".
Officers were called to Miss Widdecombe’s home at Haytor by the ambulance service at around 11.40am on Thursday.
The 78-year-old was found dead inside the property, having sustained serious injuries.
The force confirmed the main priority remains identifying those responsible, and ensuring that all available evidence is thoroughly examined.
ACC Longman added: Detectives continue to carry out numerous enquiries as part of the ongoing investigation and we remain committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
"Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers", the ACC added, with a murder investigation launched from the Force Major Crime Investigation Team.
“The public will continue to see a significant police presence in the area while detectives and officers conduct house-to-house and CCTV enquiries."
A cordon remains in place at the property while specialist officers continue forensic examinations, with road closures in place around the scene.
ACC Longman said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Miss Widdecombe at this difficult time.
“Our murder enquiry is still its early stages but moving at a significant pace. We are deploying all of the necessary resources to find out exactly what has happened.
“While we work closely with our partners and have consulted Counter Terrorism Policing as part of our initial enquiries, the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
"While investigators are keeping an open mind as to any potential motive, CTP is not supporting the investigation."
The death of the beloved ex-MP and celebrity figure is being treated as suspicious, but police do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident, however insignificant it may seem, to come forward and speak with us", the ACC added.
“We will release further information when we are able to do so. In the meantime, I would ask people not to speculate about what might have happened, particularly on social media.
“This is not only potentially harmful to our investigation, but also deeply distressing for family and friends of Miss Widdecombe. The family have also asked for their privacy to be respected as they come to terms with what has happened.”
A 26-year-old man who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder has since been released from custody, and is no longer part of the investigation.
